In a new lawsuit, Drake faces serious allegations of copyright infringement concerning the hit single “Janice STFU.” The complaint, filed on October 16, 2026, claims the rapper “shamelessly” used a songwriter’s demo for the song’s chorus without providing any credit or compensation.
Claims of Identical Chorus
The legal complaint was submitted by Gregory Korn and Jonathan Steinsapir of Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir and was first reported by Billboard. The lawsuit alleges that the chorus of “Janice STFU” is “literally identical” to a demo sent by composer Aviel Calev Hirschfield to Drake’s team in early 2026. The track has notably spent two weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Rap Songs chart for an impressive 20 weeks, marking Drake’s longest stint there.
Drake’s Response
In a statement to Billboard, Drake’s representatives categorically denied the allegations, asserting, “There is not one iota of truth to these accusations, and we reject every attempt to portray these claims as established facts.”
Background of the Demo
Hirschfield claims he crafted the demo in December 2025 and January 2026, utilizing an audio bed from producer duo Michael “Finatik” Mulé and Isaac “Zac” De Boni, known as FNZ, who frequently collaborate with Drake. He reportedly interpolated the 2011 Lykke Li track “I Follow Rivers” and specifically wrote the song for Drake, having previously co-written the 2022 Beyoncé track “Heated” with him.
The Copycat Discovery
According to the lawsuit, Hirschfield sent his finished demo to FNZ and several other producers associated with Drake but received no response. He first discovered the similarities when “Janice STFU” was released on streaming platforms. The complaint details Hirschfield’s shock as he recognized the song’s chorus, noting it was performed “word-for-word, note-for-note, beat-by-beat,” identical to the one he had sent.
Allegations of Misattribution
FNZ is credited as co-writers on “Janice STFU,” which also interpolates “I Follow Rivers.” Hirschfield asserts that the song’s hook is “literally identical” to both the melody and lyrics from his demo. He claims the lyrics include lines such as: “Reach me, baby/ Call my phone and say you need me, baby/ I’m so green, you gotta teach me, baby.”
Demand for Recognition
Since the song’s release, Hirschfield has sought co-writer credits and fair publishing splits for “Janice STFU.” However, he alleges that Drake’s legal team has “shamelessly refused” to acknowledge his authorship, even after Hirschfield provided evidence including stems and metadata from his recordings.
Legal Action and Claims
The lawsuit includes copyright infringement claims against Drake, his company OVO Sound, and Universal Music Group (UMG), the parent company of Drake’s label Republic Records. Hirschfield is seeking a share of the profits from “Janice STFU,” arguing that Drake has deprived him of essential reputational benefits and compensations for his contributions to this major hit.
Drake’s Denial of Accusations
Drake’s team has called the lawsuit a “manufactured and baseless attempt to exploit Drake’s name, reputation, and success for financial gain and attention.” They maintain that the allegations lack credible factual support and declare, “Drake wrote this song and has no connection or knowledge of this person, full stop.”
Representatives for UMG have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.
This story was updated on Oct. 16 at 8:32 p.m. ET to include a statement from Drake’s team.
