During an appearance on *One Night with Steiny*, DJ Akademiks declared that Drake is "at the precipice" of a new deal after reportedly completing a $400 million contract with Universal Music Group, saying the next agreement would be "probably the biggest record deal [in] history on the books, in terms of what they would have to pay him as an advance."

He added, "I can definitely say this is definitely official."

The surprising turn came within hours: Akademiks took to his livestream to retract the certainty of his original claim. HotNewHipHop reports he clarified the remarks were not an announcement that Drake had signed anything imminently.

"I like to hold myself accountable with the words I use," he said, explaining that he was simply telling Steiny that Drake's deal is up — and that he does not know what Drake will do next.

For a commentator who framed the situation as "definitely official" on the show, the rapid reframe is the development fans are chewing on.

The substrate both outlets agree on: Drake's prior agreement with UMG was reportedly worth $400 million, and Hypebeast reports it was fulfilled after the May 2026 surprise three-album drop of *ICEMAN*, *Habibti*, and *Maid of Honour*.

Complex adds that Drake's 2025 lawsuit against UMG over Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" — alleging defamation, harassment, and deceptive business practices — hangs over any renewal, with his defamation appeal set for oral arguments in December according to Complex's related coverage referenced in the piece.

The stakes are what make this the niche story of the day. Complex notes it is unclear whether a new deal would involve UMG at all, given Drake sued the label over "Not Like Us" — yet a record-breaking contract "could stand to heal all wounds."

Hypebeast emphasizes that neither Drake nor Universal Music Group has officially confirmed any prospective deal details or financial figures, meaning the "biggest deal in music history" framing remains pure speculation from a single commentator whose own certainty lasted less than a day.

Akademiks did not explicitly name UMG regarding a new deal, but HotNewHipHop observes his final livestream words suggest a chance Drake could re-sign with the label he accused of defaming him.

Until either camp confirms anything, this remains a commentator's prediction, now downgraded by its own author.