Rapper Drake denies he stole 'Janice STFU' hook after being sued for copyright infringement

Canadian rapper Drake denies the accusations that he stole the "Janice STFU" hook after being sued for copyright infringement.

The rapper’s representatives described the allegations as baseless, insisting that Drake wrote the song himself and had no connection with the person accusing him of copying the work.

The lawsuit was filed on October 16, 2026, by songwriter and producer Aviel Calev Hirschfield in a federal court in California. It names Drake, his OVO Sound label, UMG Recordings, and Universal Music Publishing as defendants.

Hirschfield alleges that the chorus of Janice STFU, released as part of Drake’s Iceman album in May 2026, is virtually identical to a demo he wrote and recorded earlier in the year.

According to the complaint, Hirschfield completed his recording around January 25, 2026, and sent it to FnZ, the production duo of Michael Mulé and Isaac De Boni, as well as other producers associated with Drake. He claims he received no response but later recognised his lyrics and melody when Drake’s song was released.

Hirschfield further claims that he provided Drake’s representatives with audio files and recording metadata to support his assertion that his demo predated the released song. However, he alleges that the rapper’s camp refused to acknowledge his contribution or offer him songwriting credit and compensation.

The lawsuit seeks financial damages and profits allegedly generated by the unauthorised use of the chorus. Hirschfield is also requesting a jury trial, although he has not specified a particular amount in damages.

Drake’s representative strongly rejected the allegations in a statement to TMZ, saying: “These allegations are categorically, unequivocally, and completely denied. There is not one iota of truth to these accusations.”

The representative also described the lawsuit as a “manufactured and baseless attempt” to exploit Drake’s name and career, adding that the rapper had no knowledge of Hirschfield’s claims.