Drake And 21 Savage Sued Over Fake ‘Vogue’ Cover—Here’s All The Drama ‘Her Loss’ Album Has Caused

Topline

Rappers Drake and 21 Savage were sued by Vogue publisher Condé Nast for distributing a fake cover of the fashion magazine to promote their newly released album Her Loss, a work that has also raised eyebrows for its lyrics regarding Megan Thee Stallion and Alexis Ohanian.

Key Facts

While promoting Her Loss, Drake and 21 Savage released a fake interview with Howard Stern, a fake NPR “Tiny Desk Concert” and a fake Vogue cover and issue both in print and online.

On Monday, Condé Nast filed suit against Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Graham, his public relations firm Hiltzik Strategies LLC, and 21 Savage, whose real name is Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, for copyright infringement for up to $4 million in damages, claiming the promotion and distribution of a fake Vogue issue “damaged the goodwill and reputation” of the magazine, according to the suit, which was viewed by Forbes.

The suit cited an Instagram post from Drake on October 30 in which he thanked famed Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour and the publication “for the love and support on this historic moment,” which wasn’t authorized or supported by either entity, the suit said.

Drake drew ire from some when he rapped in the song “Circo Loco,” lyrics which said: “This bitch lie ‘bout getting shots but she still a stallion.”

The lyric seemingly referred to rapper Megan Thee Stallion’s claim she was shot in the foot by Tory Lanez in 2020; After the album was released, Stallion tweeted ”Stop using my shooting for clout…Since when tf is it cool to joke abt women getting shot.”

On the song “Middle Of The Ocean,” Drake said, “Serena, your husband a groupie,” seemingly referring to Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian; Ohanian responded on Twitter on Friday tweeting, “The reason I stay winning is because I’m relentless about being the absolute best at whatever I do — including being the best groupie for my wife & daughter.”

Chief Critic

A lawyer for Drake and 21 Savage has not yet responded to Forbes’ request for comment, as he is still reviewing the filing. Representatives for Drake at Hiltzik Strategies declined Forbes’ request for comment.

Tangent

Stallion was reportedly credited as a writer on the song “Rich Flex,” because lyrics from 21 Savage interpolate her hit song “Savage.”

Key Background

NPR and Stern reacted much more warmly to the use of their likeness in the promotion for Her Loss. NPR asked the duo to come “do it forreal tho.” Stern said Monday that Drake did “such a good job” with the fake interview. Her Loss was released Friday. Fans quickly devoured the new songs—the album earned the No. 1 spot on Spotify’s U.S. debut albums chart from Friday to Sunday— but critics weren’t as engaged. Rolling Stone labeled the album a “misfire” in its review. It’s the second album released by Drake this year. In June he released Honestly, Nevermind, and 21 Savage was featured on the album’s No. 1 song “Jimmy Cooks.”

Further Reading

Drake and 21 Savage’s Fake Vogue Cover Could Be Their Loss (Vulture)

Vogue Sues Drake and 21 Savage for Faking Magazine Covers (Pitchfork)

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2022/11/08/drake-and-21-savage-sued-over-fake-vogue-cover-heres-all-the-drama-her-loss-album-has-caused/