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Drake Granted Access to Key Documents in Defamation Case Against UMG
Drake has received judicial approval to access critical documents from Universal Music Group (UMG) as part of his ongoing defamation lawsuit concerning Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us.” The Canadian rapper requested specific details, including Lamar’s recording contract and compensation information for UMG executives.
The lawsuit stems from Drake’s assertion that UMG has allowed the dissemination of Lamar’s song, which, he argues, propagates a harmful and untrue narrative labeling him as a paedophile. This legal action adds another layer to the longstanding rivalry between the two artists.
In a previous motion, UMG sought to dismiss the case, characterizing it as an unreasonable effort to suppress Lamar’s artistic expression. Moreover, the label had requested a temporary halt to the discovery process while the court considered the dismissal motion.
However, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled on Wednesday that the discovery phase will proceed. Drake’s attorney, Michael Gottlieb, welcomed this decision, stating that it provides a chance to uncover what UMG may be attempting to obscure.
Drake’s legal team is pursuing comprehensive documents, including all contracts between UMG and Lamar, along with information on salaries and bonus structures for UMG’s senior personnel dating back to 2020. UMG opposed this request, arguing that compiling such “commercially sensitive” data would impose a significant burden, particularly since the lawsuit is still under consideration for dismissal.
A hearing regarding UMG’s motion to dismiss the case is scheduled for June 30.
Background of the Dispute
This lawsuit is the latest evolution in Drake and Lamar’s public feud, which has seen them exchange barbs through various rap songs. Notably, in one instance last year, Drake accused Lamar of domestic abuse. Lamar shot back with “Not Like Us,” a track where he labeled Drake and his team as “certified paedophiles,” suggesting they should be registered offenders.
In court documents, Drake contends that UMG was aware of the falsity of Lamar’s lyrics yet continued to promote them for financial gain. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that UMG colluded with Spotify to artificially inflate streaming numbers for “Not Like Us,” a claim both entities reject.
In defense of their actions, UMG, which has worked with Drake for over ten years, denied the allegations, stressing that the claims are baseless and that harming Drake’s reputation would be counterproductive. They highlighted that throughout his career, Drake has used UMG’s support to release music that often engages in playful rap rivalries.
UMG also suggested that Drake is attempting to manipulate the legal system to stifle Lamar’s creative output and profit from the ensuing fallout of their lyrical exchanges.
“Not Like Us” has emerged as one of Kendrick Lamar’s most successful tracks, achieving number one status in the UK shortly after his performance at the Super Bowl Half Time Show in February. This song has certainly elevated the stakes in both his career and the ongoing discourse surrounding the controversial exchanges between him and Drake.
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www.bbc.com