The ongoing narrative surrounding Drake and his reliance on songwriters has taken a contentious turn. New allegations suggest that the global superstar may be benefiting from creative work that was never officially credited or compensated, sparking a fresh legal battle in the music industry.
The controversy centers on the hit track ‘Janice STFU’. According to a lawsuit filed by songwriter Aviel Calev Hirschfield, he composed a demo between December 2025 and January 2026 that features a chorus remarkably similar to the final version released by the rapper. Hirschfield claims that his original composition was heavily influenced by Lykke Li’s ‘I Follow Rivers’, a track from which the main melody appears to have been interpolated directly.
Allegations of Direct Plagiarism
The legal filing goes further, asserting that the lyrics in question were utilized “word for word” and “note for note.” This creates a complex situation regarding authorship, as Hirschfield is attempting to claim rights over a work that already draws significant inspiration from an established song by Lykke Li.
Hirschfield maintains that he was never compensated or credited for his contributions to the track. Furthermore, he alleges that Drake has continued to claim sole authorship of the song, which has become a global success. Given that the hook serves as the most recognizable element of the record, the implications of these claims are significant for both the artist’s reputation and the song’s commercial standing.
As the legal process unfolds, the industry remains focused on whether these claims will hold up in court or if they will be dismissed as coincidental similarities. For now, the debate over songwriting credits in the streaming era continues to intensify.
