Aviel Calev Hirschfield Sues Drake Over Janice STFU
Songwriter Aviel Calev Hirschfield alleges that Drake’s hit track Janice STFU contains a chorus lifted from his own demo.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Hip-Hop and Rap
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Aviel Calev Hirschfield has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Drake, OVO Sound, and Universal Music Group. The complaint claims the chorus of the song Janice STFU is identical to a demo hook Hirschfield recorded in late 2025 and early 2026.
Why it matters
The suit seeks a share of profits and formal co-writer credit for Hirschfield, a songwriter previously credited on Beyoncé’s track Heated. Drake’s representatives have denied the allegations and characterized the litigation as a baseless attempt to exploit the artist's success.
The track Janice STFU spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and 20 weeks at number one on the Hot Rap Songs chart. The song is known for interpolating Lykke Li's 2011 track I Follow Rivers.
The players
Aviel Calev Hirschfield
He is a professional songwriter who is credited as a co-writer on the 2022 Beyoncé track Heated.
Drake
He is a prolific international recording artist and the primary defendant in the lawsuit.
OVO Sound
It is a record label founded by Drake that is named as a defendant in the copyright lawsuit.
Universal Music Group
It is a global music corporation and parent company that is listed as a defendant in the legal proceedings.
The details
Hirschfield alleges he sent his demo featuring the disputed hook to producers working with Drake before the song's May 2026 release. He has provided audio files with timestamps to support his claim that he composed the material months prior to the track's public debut.
Timeline
2011: Lykke Li released the song I Follow Rivers.
2022: Beyoncé released the song Heated featuring Hirschfield as writer.
December 2025 and January 2026: Hirschfield alleges he wrote the demo hook.
May 2026: Drake released the song Janice STFU.
October 16, 2026: Hirschfield filed the copyright infringement lawsuit.
Industry Dynamics
This lawsuit follows a pattern established by high-profile copyright disputes concerning song composition and credit in the modern music industry. It highlights the ongoing legal volatility surrounding song authorship in an era where tracks frequently incorporate interpolations and viral hooks.
The lawsuit currently has no impact on the availability of the song Janice STFU on streaming platforms. Listeners can continue to access the track through their standard music subscription services as scheduled.
The takeaway
Copyright disputes often hinge on the ability to prove prior authorship through documentation and digital timestamps. Songwriters are encouraged to keep detailed records of their creative process to protect their intellectual property rights.
Further reading
For more on industry disputes, explore the latest developments in Hip-Hop and Rap.
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