Drake SUED -- Accused of Stealing Music & Lying About Permission

Drake cheated and lied on his latest album -- shamelessly stealing a jazz musician's lyrics and then lying on the album that he got permission -- so claims the jazz musician's people.

The song in question is "Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2." The song begins with a 35 second monologue from a 1982 song -- "Jimmy Smith Rap" -- recorded by jazz musician Jimmy Smith.

According to a new lawsuit -- obtained by TMZ -- Drake never got permission to use the clip. Even worse, represented in the liner notes that the clip was properly licensed.

Jimmy's dead, but his Estate insists in the lawsuit NO permission was given nor did anyone ask for it.

The Estate is going after Drake, Cash Money Records and a bunch of others ... gunning for more than $300K.

TMZ reached out to Drake for comment ... so far, no word back.