Songwriter Sues Drake, Claiming 'Janice STFU' Chorus Was Lifted From His Demo
Songwriter Aviel Calev Hirschfield has filed a lawsuit against Drake, OVO Sound, and Universal Music Group, alleging that the chorus of the hit single 'Janice STFU' was directly taken from a demo he submitted in early 2026. Hirschfield claims he was denied songwriting credit and royalties despite providing audio evidence that the released track matches his composition. Drake's representatives have denied the allegations, asserting that the rapper wrote the chorus independently and accusing Hirschfield of manipulating metadata to support his claim. The lawsuit seeks financial compensation and official credit for the songwriter.
Key points
- Aviel Calev Hirschfield filed a copyright infringement lawsuit on October 16, 2026, naming Drake, OVO Sound, and Universal Music Group as defendants.
- Hirschfield alleges that the chorus of 'Janice STFU' is 'literally identical' to a demo he developed between December 2025 and January 2026, which he sent to producers FNZ.
- The lawsuit claims Hirschfield was excluded from songwriting credits and denied publishing royalties for a track that spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Drake's representatives denied the claims, stating that Drake wrote the chorus himself and accusing Hirschfield of altering metadata to make his demo appear older than the released song.
- Hirschfield and his attorneys reject the accusation of evidence manipulation, arguing that falsifying records against a former collaborator would be professionally devastating.
Background
This dispute follows a period of heightened tension in the music industry regarding songwriting credits and intellectual property rights. Hirschfield and Drake previously shared songwriting credits on 'Heated,' a track from Beyoncé's 2022 album 'Renaissance.' The current lawsuit centers on 'Janice STFU,' a major commercial success for Drake that achieved significant chart positions in 2026. The case highlights ongoing challenges in the music industry concerning the attribution of creative contributions, particularly when demos are submitted to production teams without immediate acknowledgment. The lawsuit seeks to establish Hirschfield's role in the creation of the chorus and to secure financial compensation for his alleged work.
Why it matters
The lawsuit underscores the complexities and potential disputes surrounding songwriting credits and royalties in the music industry. It highlights the importance of clear documentation and communication between artists, producers, and songwriters to prevent misunderstandings and legal conflicts. The case also raises questions about the integrity of evidence in copyright disputes, as both sides present conflicting accounts of the creative process. The outcome of this lawsuit could have implications for how the industry handles similar claims in the future, particularly regarding the use of demos and the attribution of contributions to major hits.
What to watch
The lawsuit is expected to proceed through the legal system, with both sides presenting evidence and arguments in court. Drake's representatives have denied the allegations, and Universal Music Group has not yet responded to requests for comment. The case may involve expert testimony on the similarity between Hirschfield's demo and the released track, as well as discussions about the metadata and timing of the recordings. The outcome will determine whether Hirschfield receives credit and compensation for his alleged contribution to 'Janice STFU.'
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