Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) has sent shockwaves through both the music and streaming worlds. In the legal showdown that’s shaking the scenes, Drake has filed an 81-page lawsuit against UMG. At the center of the controversy is Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” which Drake claims UMG used to spread a “false and malicious narrative” about him. While the 81-page lawsuit accuses UMG of spreading a “false and malicious narrative” about Drake, it has also unexpectedly dropped high-profile streamer Kai Cenat into the drama. Cenat’s response to being mentioned in the suit has sparked viral discussions, shining a spotlight on the complex dynamics between artists, labels, and content creators.
“Why am I in this?”— Kai Cenat responds with his reaction
On Thursday night, January 16th, Kai Cenat addressed his inclusion in Drake’s lawsuit during a live stream. Initially, he believed he was being sued, leading to a moment of stunned disbelief. “Wait, what? Why am I in this sh*t? Hold on…” Cenat exclaimed as he read parts of the legal filing.
“What the f**k? I’m getting sued?”
Cenat then revealed that while he was live-streaming his reaction to “Not Like Us”—a video that has since racked up over nine million views on YouTube—he allegedly received a direct message from Drake urging him to “stay on stream”. This revelation added an unexpected layer to the controversy.
The New York-based streamer clarified that while his reaction video was monetized, he was not directly paid by UMG. Once someone in his chat clarified that he wasn’t actually being sued, Cenat lightheartedly brushed off the situation, jokingly.
“Oh, I’m good! So he’s just using us as an example of [people who were] spreading misinformation type sh*t? I mean, if I’m not getting sued, n**ga…”
The allegations against UMG
At the heart of Drake’s lawsuit is the claim that UMG deliberately whitelisted “Not Like Us” on platforms like YouTube, enabling it to gain widespread traction. According to Drake, this decision was made “with full knowledge” of the track’s defamatory content, which he believes was strategically amplified to damage his reputation. In fact, Drake also accuses UMG of exploiting the popularity of reaction videos by allowing creators like Cenat to monetize their content. This alleged tactic, Drake argues, was part of a broader effort to fuel the narrative propagated by Kendrick Lamar’s diss track.
The role of reaction videos
Kai Cenat isn’t the only creator who has weighed in on the situation. YouTubers like ZIAS! and No Life Shaq, who were also mentioned in the lawsuit, have shared their perspectives. ZIAS! acknowledged the significant financial success of reaction videos to “Not Like Us”, stating:
“It was a lot. I think everybody could attest to that. Everybody ate from that situation.”
No Life Shaq, however, had a more confrontational response, criticizing Drake for including content creators in the lawsuit. “N–ga, we chillin’, having fun, and you got us listed in a case? This gotta be the softest nga ever, dog,” he said in a fiery video response. Additionally, PlaqueBoyMax, another popular streamer, added a humorous twist, revealing that his reaction to “Not Like Us” was demonetized because he was “hating.”
Kai Cenat is apart of another viral moment
Nonetheless, Cenat’s reaction to being unexpectedly drawn into the lawsuit has gone viral. In doing so, he captured the attention of fans and media alike. His candid, comedic response captures the confusion many feel about the lawsuit’s implications for streamers and digital creators. While Cenat ultimately shrugged off his mention in the legal filings, his involvement highlights the growing influence of content creators in shaping public narratives around music and culture. As Drake’s lawsuit against UMG continues to unfold, it raises critical questions. Including the ethical and legal responsibilities of record labels, artists, and digital platforms in the era of viral media.
A case that redefines boundaries
Overall, Drake’s battle with UMG is about more than just a diss track. In fact, it’s a collision of hip-hop, legal strategy, and digital culture. For Kai Cenat, being named in the lawsuit was an unexpected twist, but his humorous and unfiltered reaction has turned the spotlight on an important issue: the role of creators in the ever-evolving relationship between music and media. As the situation develops, one thing is clear: this case could continue to redefine the boundaries of artistic expression, corporate accountability, and the monetization of content in the digital age. For now, stay up to date here at REMXID Magazine! Lastly, let us know your thoughts in the comments!
