In a recent development in the ongoing legal saga involving Drake and iHeartMedia, popular music commentator DJ Akademiks revealed the real reason behind Drake’s decision to drop iHeartMedia from his petition in Bexar County. According to sources, Drake has settled privately with the radio giant and is now focusing his legal efforts solely on Universal Music Group (UMG).

The controversy began when Drake alleged that UMG made covert payments to iHeartMedia to promote the airplay of his rival Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us.” Reports suggested that Drake’s legal petition was an effort to compel iHeartMedia to provide depositions and documents that could support his claims. However, sources at iHeartMedia indicated that after Drake reviewed their documents—showing that no wrongdoing occurred—he agreed to withdraw the petition.

Akademiks emphasized that Drake’s initial filing was not a lawsuit but a request for information, highlighting that iHeartMedia could not legally disclose any internal financial dealings that could implicate them in payola practices. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently investigating iHeartMedia for potential payola violations, which further complicates the situation.

As the FCC’s scrutiny intensifies, Drake’s legal strategy appears to pivot. By dropping iHeartMedia from his petition, he may be positioning himself to leverage the FCC’s findings against UMG. The ongoing investigation could provide him with the necessary evidence to support his allegations of collusion between UMG and iHeartMedia.

Akademiks clarified that while some fans may assume Drake’s withdrawal signals a lack of merit in his claims, it is more indicative of the complexities of navigating legal proceedings against a powerful media entity. As the situation evolves, the focus shifts to how the FCC’s investigation may impact Drake’s ongoing battle with UMG and the larger implications for the music industry.