Michael Rubin Confirms His Party Playlist Was Safe and ‘Not Like Us’-Free

Michael Rubin, the billionaire owner of Fanatics, didn’t quite do his friend Drake any favors when he confirmed a rumor that Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” was banned from being played at his annual July 4 “All-White” party.

Rubin addressed the rumor during an interview on The Breakfast Club on August 14. He said, “It was true. Drake’s my friend for a long time. I’m not gonna invite him — and look, he’s obviously going through a little bit of a battle right now. I’m not gonna have him come there… I just didn’t think it was appropriate.”

Rubin’s efforts were kind, making sure his friend had a good time and wouldn’t be reminded of his long-time rival at one of the year’s biggest parties. However, Rubin might have kept this to himself. In rap beef, where rivals and critics look for any edge, the last thing Drake needs is the world knowing his billionaire buddy sanitized the party playlist for him.

Rubin could have avoided addressing the rumor, especially since interviewer Loren LoRosa only asked about responding to general social media chatter. Yet, Rubin plainly stated, “So I sent a note and said, ‘Hey, let’s not play any one’s music that’s feuding with anyone that’s [at the party]’.”

When LoRosa asked if Drake made the request, Rubin took full responsibility. “That was a ‘me’ decision. I just thought it was the appropriate thing.”

Rubin continued, revealing that the day before the big white party, he hosted a BBQ. When someone played Spotify’s Rap Caviar playlist, “Not Like Us” started. Rubin shouted, “Get that off! Get that off!” Just as Drake was about to arrive.

Rubin also dismissed memes and speculation that Drake looked deep in his feelings at the party, saying the musician “had a great time.” He added, “You gotta be built for social media, you gotta be tough, you gotta take shit from people. Drake is an iconic artist that we all respect. What I said to Drake — and I honestly believe this — is this is a great test for him. You can’t get to where he’s got to and not have people coming for you.”

Aww, how sweet.