A high-stakes copyright dispute involving one of Drake’s biggest 2026 releases has intensified following a federal lawsuit filed by Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Aviel Calev Hirschfield. The legal complaint alleges that the Canadian rapper and his associates unlawfully used an independently created chorus for the chart-topping single “Janice STFU.” Filed on October 16 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the lawsuit names Drake, OVO Sound, and Universal Music Group as defendants, seeking substantial financial damages and profit disgorgement.
Drake’s legal representatives have firmly rejected the allegations. They maintain that the multi-platinum artist wrote the track entirely on his own and had no prior communication or connection with Hirschfield. In a formal statement addressing the litigation, a representative for Drake stated, “These allegations are categorically, unequivocally, and completely denied. There is not one iota of truth to these accusations,” characterizing the lawsuit as a baseless attempt to capitalize on the rapper’s global success.
The Origins of the Dispute Over ‘Janice STFU’
“Janice STFU” arrived on May 15, 2026, as part of Drake’s studio album Iceman. The single quickly dominated international charts, spending two consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and establishing a record 20-week reign at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs tally. However, behind the scenes, creative tensions were brewing.
According to the federal complaint, Hirschfield crafted an eight-line chorus between December 2025 and January 2026. He built the demo over an instrumental bed provided by production duo Michael “Finatik” Mulé and Isaac “Zac” De Boni, professionally known as FNZ, who frequently collaborate with Drake. Hirschfield stated that his composition interpolated Lykke Li’s 2011 track “I Follow Rivers” and was purposefully written with Drake in mind, noting his previous co-writing credits on Beyoncé’s 2022 track “Heated.”
Key Details of the Federal Lawsuit
- Filing Date: October 16, 2026
- Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- Defendants: Drake, OVO Sound, UMG Recordings, and Universal Music Publishing Group
- Disputed Asset: An eight-line chorus featuring the lyrics: “Reach me, baby/ Call my phone and say you need me, baby/ I’m so green, you gotta teach me, baby/ From Vancouver, you a BC, baby/ Pull up Maybach, beep beep, baby…”
Hirschfield claims that after completing the demo recording around January 25, 2026, he forwarded the audio files to FNZ and other producers within Drake’s inner circle, though he received no direct response. Upon the commercial release of “Janice STFU,” Hirschfield maintains he was stunned to hear a hook that was identical in lyrics, melody, and cadence to his original demo.
Legal Standoff and Metadata Accusations
Following the release of the track, Hirschfield reportedly approached Drake’s team requesting formal co-writing credits and proportional publishing splits. However, negotiations stalled as legal representatives for the artist pushed back vigorously.
The lawsuit alleges that Drake’s camp took the position that Hirschfield-a self-described fan who previously collaborated within the broader OVO orbit-manipulated the metadata in his recording files to falsely establish a prior creation date. Drake’s representatives reportedly issued a cease-and-desist letter demanding that the producer stop publicly claiming authorship of the chorus.
“We firmly believe this lawsuit is a manufactured and baseless attempt to exploit Drake’s name, reputation and success for financial gain and attention,” Drake’s representatives said in a statement. “The allegations are not merely disputed – we maintain that they are entirely fabricated, without credible factual support or legitimate legal foundation.”
With both sides standing firm-Hirschfield pursuing damages, statutory interest, and attorneys’ fees, and Drake’s team denying any intersection between the two artists-the case is expected to proceed through the federal court system as experts evaluate the competing audio files and production timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who filed the copyright lawsuit against Drake?
The federal lawsuit was filed by Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and engineer Aviel Calev Hirschfield (also known as Avi).
Which song is at the center of the copyright dispute?
The lawsuit centers around Drake’s hit single “Janice STFU,” which was released on May 15, 2026, as part of his album Iceman.
What specific part of the song is claimed to be copied?
Hirschfield alleges that the song’s eight-line chorus is identical in melody, lyrics, and cadence to an unreleased demo he recorded and distributed to producers in early 2026.
Which companies are named as defendants in the lawsuit?
In addition to Drake himself, the complaint names OVO Sound, UMG Recordings, and Universal Music Publishing Group as co-defendants.
How has Drake’s team responded to the allegations?
Drake’s representatives have categorically denied the accusations, calling the lawsuit a manufactured and baseless attempt to exploit the rapper’s success for financial gain and public attention.
