In a surprising twist, legendary DJ Funkmaster Flex has come out in full support of Drake amid the rapper’s legal dispute with Universal Music Group (UMG). While Drake has faced a fair share of criticism for filing a petition against the powerhouse label, Funkmaster Flex, a staple in the hip hop community, is offering his unwavering endorsement. The iconic DJ has always been vocal about his opinions, but this time, he’s backing Drake’s fight against a major label—a stance that’s caught the attention of fans and critics alike.
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The UMG Legal Drama: Drake’s Bold Move
Drake’s decision to take legal action against his label has raised eyebrows across the music industry. The rapper has filed a petition accusing UMG of promoting Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” in a way that allegedly undermined his own work, igniting a controversy that has divided opinions. While some label Drake’s actions as sensitive and the product of sour grapes after his battle with Lamar, others have begun to see merit in his stance.
Funkmaster Flex, who’s been part of the industry for decades, has praised Drake for taking a stand, especially considering the size and power of UMG. The legendary DJ took to social media, expressing his full support for Drake’s actions, calling the rapper “100% right.” Funkmaster Flex emphasized that Drake isn’t someone who plays the game of “pay-for-play,” a reference to accusations that UMG may have used Payola tactics to push tracks onto prominent platforms like Spotify. Flex even took the opportunity to list out the astronomical costs artists face when promoting their music on mix shows, radio programs, and local events, adding fuel to the fire.
Funkmaster Flex: A Voice for Independent Artists
What’s perhaps most striking about Flex’s stance is his advocacy for independent artists. Funkmaster Flex strongly believes that the current music industry system disproportionately favors major labels, which is why so many independent artists struggle to rise to prominence. “This is why independent artists don’t rise to the top,” Flex stated, offering his perspective on the challenges faced by up-and-coming talent in a landscape dominated by giants like UMG.
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Funkmaster Flex’s comments reflect his ongoing concern for the future of music and the ways in which the industry’s power dynamics can leave many artists behind. By supporting Drake, he’s essentially calling out an industry that doesn’t provide equal opportunities for all, especially for those without the financial backing of a major label.
Flex’s Credibility as a Tastemaker
In his social media posts, Funkmaster Flex also took the opportunity to highlight his own credibility in the industry. Known for his iconic radio show and as a tastemaker in hip hop, Flex made it clear that he’s never accepted money from artists, managers, or labels to promote their music. “All you artists know I ain’t never take a dime from you, your manager or your labels,” Flex said. “Bomb has no price.” This is a significant statement, given the often controversial and transactional nature of the music business. Flex’s assertion adds an air of authenticity to his support for Drake, as he positions himself as someone who operates independently and is invested in the fairness of the industry.
A Surprising Turn of Events: Flex and Drake’s Past
Funkmaster Flex’s backing of Drake comes as a bit of a surprise to many, especially considering the history between the two. In the past, Flex has been highly critical of the Toronto rapper. Most notably, in 2018, after Drake accused Flex of spreading “lies,” the DJ took to the airwaves to fire back, dismissing Drake’s criticism and even poking fun at his fanbase. “70% of your fans wear high heels,” Flex said at the time. “The other 30% are guys who wear sandals. I’m not concerned about you.” These strong words painted Flex and Drake as adversaries, adding fuel to the fire of their strained relationship.
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But it seems that time has healed some of those wounds. Funkmaster Flex has since acknowledged Drake’s artistic talent, even admitting that the rapper makes “great music” and puts on “great shows.” This shift in Flex’s attitude suggests a level of respect for Drake’s work, even if their personal relationship remains complicated.
The Ongoing Battle: Drake and Meek Mill
Funkmaster Flex’s role in the feud between Drake and Meek Mill further highlights the complex relationship between the DJ and the Toronto rapper. Flex played a role in the 2015 battle between the two, a feud that captured the public’s attention for months. Though Flex and Drake have never been the closest of friends, their paths have crossed at critical moments in both of their careers. It seems that, despite past conflicts, Flex is now rallying behind Drake as he fights what he views as a much-needed battle against the industry’s giants.
What’s Next for Drake?
As for Drake, his legal battle with UMG is far from over, but Funkmaster Flex’s vocal support has given the rapper some high-profile backing. Whether this will spark a broader conversation about Payola, major labels’ control over artists, and the rise of independent talent remains to be seen. Regardless of the outcome, Funkmaster Flex’s backing of Drake adds an unexpected layer of support that could shift the public’s perception of the situation.
In the cutthroat world of hip hop, alliances are constantly shifting, and Funkmaster Flex’s latest move serves as a reminder that, in the end, it’s not just about who’s on top—it’s about standing up for fairness in an industry that’s always evolving.
