In a powerful and unexpected statement, Kanye West has thrown his full support behind Drake amid the Toronto rapper’s high-profile legal battle against Universal Music Group (UMG).

Describing the moment as historic, West praised Drake’s move as a breakthrough for artist rights and solidarity in the music industry.

Kanye West: “Team Drake 100%”

Kanye West, who has had a tumultuous history with both Drake and the major label system, took to social media to express solidarity with his former rival, along with Kendrick Lamar, who is also at the center of the ongoing controversy.

“I’m so happy… UMG, Drake, Kendrick situation… This is the biggest victory in music history right here,” West said in a now-viral video. “I’m never finna call Drake out his name. I’m Team Drake 100% and Team Kendrick and Team all of us… Everything is worth everything for a moment like this, where we stop going at each other and we go at the slavemasters.”

His use of the term “slavemasters” echoes long-standing criticism within the industry regarding exploitative record deals and lack of creative control afforded to artists by major labels.

Drake’s Lawsuit: Defamation, Harassment, and Industry Power Plays

On April 17, 2025, Drake filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group and several affiliated parties, accusing them of defamation, harassment, and negligence. The complaint centers on Kendrick Lamar’s hit diss track, “Not Like Us,” which was released under Lamar’s pgLang imprint in partnership with Interscope and Universal Music Group (UMG).

The track, which implies Drake is a pedophile, was performed during two of the most visible music events of the year, the Super Bowl halftime show and the 2025 Grammy Awards, reaching a global audience of more than 130 million people.

Drake argues that UMG’s distribution and aggressive promotion of the song directly contributed to real-world threats against his safety and that of his family, including a drive-by shooting at his Toronto residence and multiple attempted break-ins. The lawsuit suggests that the label turned a blind eye to the real-life consequences of boosting a record with such serious allegations.

UMG Responds: Defending Artistic Freedom

Universal Music Group has swiftly denied any wrongdoing, calling Drake’s claims “baseless” and defending their support of Kendrick Lamar’s performance as an exercise of artistic expression. In an official statement, UMG said:

“This is a misguided attack on the principles of free expression and artistry. We support our artists in making bold, provocative work, even when it’s uncomfortable.”

UMG also hinted that Drake’s legal advisors may be fueling the controversy for strategic gain, framing the lawsuit as part of a broader power struggle within the label-artist dynamic.

A Shift in Tone for Kanye West

West’s endorsement of both Drake and Kendrick marks a significant shift in tone. Known for his previous feuds with both artists, especially Drake, the Yeezy founder is now calling for unity among musicians against what he sees as systemic exploitation in the industry.

West has long been vocal about the inequities artists face under traditional record contracts. In 2020, he publicly posted his contracts with Universal and declared war on music publishers and label executives, saying he wanted to “free all artists.”

With this latest statement, West positions himself not as an adversary, but as an advocate for solidarity and reform.

Industry Reactions: A Watershed Moment?

West’s comments have already sparked discussion across the music world. Independent artists, label executives, and fans are watching closely as this legal and cultural drama unfolds.

Many are calling this a potential watershed moment in the fight for artist empowerment. While diss tracks and public feuds have long been a part of hip-hop culture, the real-world implications of these disputes, especially when amplified by billion-dollar media companies, are now being examined through a legal and ethical lens.

If successful, Drake’s lawsuit could challenge how labels navigate their responsibilities amid artist feuds and potentially set new precedents for artist protection, defamation, and label liability.

A New Era of Unity?

Kanye West’s statement may mark a rare moment of unity in an industry often fueled by competition and rivalry. As he put it, the focus should now be on dismantling systemic oppression within the industry rather than tearing each other down:

“Everything is worth everything for a moment like this, where we stop going at each other and we go at the slavemasters.”

Whether Drake’s lawsuit against UMG succeeds or not, the conversation it has sparked, along with West’s unexpected show of support, has already made an indelible mark on the music industry.