A recent lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California claims that Drake’s hit song “Janice STFU” features a chorus allegedly written by Aviel (Avi) Hirschfield, a Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist and producer who had previously collaborated with Drake. The lawsuit contends that Hirschfield composed the lyrics and melody while driving a Maybach to Seattle and listening to Lykke Li’s “I Follow Rivers,” a track previously sampled by Drake. Hirschfield reportedly recorded a demo with his vocals over a track produced by FnZ, a duo known for their work with Drake, and sent it out with the hope that it would reach Drake.
However, according to the lawsuit, when Hirschfield heard Drake’s “Janice STFU,” he was surprised to hear Drake perform a chorus that he claims is identical to the one he had recorded and shared with producers. Drake’s team vehemently denies these allegations.
“Janice STFU” debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, marking Drake’s 14th chart-topping hit and breaking his tie with Michael Jackson for the most No. 1 hits by a male solo artist. Drake even hosted apology parties for individuals named Janice who felt targeted by the song.
Despite his alleged contribution, Hirschfield did not receive a co-writing credit nor a share of the song’s earnings. Drake’s representatives have refuted any connection between Drake and Hirschfield, dismissing the allegations as baseless. Universal Music Group, also named in the lawsuit, declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter.