Drake in 2026: Legal Battles, New Music, and the Aftermath of Hip-Hop’s Biggest Feud
As we step into 2026, Drake remains at the epicenter of the music world, but the landscape around him has fundamentally shifted. The seismic fallout from his historic feud with Kendrick Lamar continues to ripple through courtrooms and recording studios, even as the 6 God teases his next musical chapter. From a dismissed defamation lawsuit to cryptic album hints and candid advice from peers, Drake’s current saga is a masterclass in navigating the highest peaks and deepest valleys of fame.
The past year wasn’t just about diss tracks; it was about legal briefs. While the lyrical war captivated fans, its aftermath sparked a complex legal battle with his own label, Universal Music Group (UMG), setting the stage for a dramatic start to the new year. Meanwhile, the promise of new music—from collaborative projects to the long-rumored “ICEMAN”—offers a glimpse of the future for one of rap’s most prolific figures.
The Legal Fallout: Lawsuits, Appeals, and Settlements
Related Video: Fans Claim Kendrick Lamar & Drake Ruined Hip Hop
The Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud transcended music in 2025, moving decisively into the courtroom. Drake’s lawsuit against UMG, alleging the label improperly released Kendrick’s “Not Like Us,” was a landmark moment, accusing his own corporate home of defamation. While a federal court dismissed the case, Drake has formally filed an appeal, signaling this fight is far from over.
Key Legal Developments & Status
| Case / Action | Primary Allegation / Detail | Current Status (as of Jan 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Lawsuit vs. UMG | Defamation over release of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” | Dismissed by court; Appeal filed by Drake |
| Contract Review Motion | Drake’s legal team granted access to review redacted version of Kendrick’s UMG contract | Granted by judge; review likely underway |
| Settlement with iHeartMedia | Dispute over alleged illegal payments for “Not Like Us” radio airplay | Settled out of court |
| Class Action Gambling Suit | Endorsement of alleged unlawful online gambling platform with streamer Adin Ross | Ongoing |
“Even if you win, you still don’t win.” – 21 Savage recounting the advice he gave Drake about battling Kendrick Lamar, highlighting the no-win perception of the feud within the industry.
What’s Next for Drake’s Music? “ICEMAN,” Collabs, and the Catalog
Amid the legal drama, the music must go on. Drake’s discography is a monument to modern hip-hop and R&B, and the wheels of new releases are still turning. The most persistent rumor is the arrival of “ICEMAN,” an album teased repeatedly by Drake himself, including at the end of a recent livestream.
Recent & Upcoming Projects
| Project / Album | Release Date / Status | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $ome $exy $ongs 4 U (with PARTYNEXTDOOR) | August 10, 2024 | Collaborative project; last major release before feud escalation. |
| For All The Dogs: Scary Hours Edition | November 17, 2023 | Expanded edition of his 2023 studio album. |
| “ICEMAN” (Rumored Album) | Teased for 2025/2026; single “Who Was It?” rumored for Sep 4 | Most anticipated unreleased project; title repeatedly hinted by Drake. |
| Collaboration Album with PARTYNEXTDOOR | Announced for Fall 2025 | Second joint project with longtime OVO collaborator. |
The feud’s impact even altered other artists’ plans. J. Cole reportedly had to re-record parts of his album The Fall Off after the Drake-Kendrick battle derailed original features, showing how one clash can send shockwaves through the entire genre’s release schedule.
The Super Bowl Spectacle and Lasting Cultural Impact
The feud reached its breathtaking, non-legal climax at Super Bowl LIX, where Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show, watched by 133.5 million people, served as a cultural victory lap. This event cemented the battle as a defining moment in 21st-century pop culture, moving beyond streaming numbers into the shared national experience. For Drake, it underscored the unique challenge: how does one move forward after a public conflict of that magnitude?
The consensus from insiders like 21 Savage, who warned Drake against the battle, suggests a path focused on musical output and business. The appeal of the UMG lawsuit shows Drake is willing to fight on principle in the legal arena, while “ICEMAN” represents the crucial return to the studio—the domain where he has always solidified his reign.
Common Questions
What is the status of Drake’s lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar and UMG?
Drake sued Universal Music Group (UMG), not Kendrick Lamar directly, alleging defamation for releasing “Not Like Us.” The lawsuit was dismissed by a federal court in late 2025. However, as of January 2026, Drake has officially filed an appeal to revive the case, so the legal battle is ongoing.
When is Drake’s new album “ICEMAN” coming out?
There is no official release date yet. Drake has teased the “ICEMAN” album multiple times, including in a livestream where he said “Iceman coming soon.” Rumors have swirled about a potential single, “Who Was It?,” but fans are still awaiting an official announcement from Drake or OVO Sound.
Did the feud with Kendrick affect other rappers?
Yes, significantly. Most notably, J. Cole reportedly had to re-record portions of his album The Fall Off after the Drake-Kendrick feud derailed original collaboration plans. This shows how a clash at the top of the industry can disrupt release schedules and creative plans for multiple major artists.
What did 21 Savage say about the feud?
21 Savage revealed he advised Drake not to engage in the rap battle with Kendrick Lamar, calling it a “no-win situation.” He famously told Drake, “even if you win, you still don’t win,” suggesting the personal and professional costs would outweigh any perceived victory.