Drake's Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group Heats Up

Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a motion to dismiss Drake's lawsuit, claiming the rapper instigated the feud with Kendrick Lamar and is now trying to deflect from his loss. According to UMG, Drake's "Taylor Made Freestyle" provoked Lamar's response, and "Not Like Us" is protected under First Amendment free speech rights as part of hip-hop's diss culture.

UMG argues that Drake "lost a rap battle that he provoked and in which he willingly participated," and his lawsuit is a "misguided attempt to salve his wounds." The label claims Drake is trying to frame the issue as defamatory misinformation because he was defeated.

Drake's lead attorney, Mike Gottlieb, counters that UMG is attempting to mislead the public by portraying the matter as a mere rap battle. Gottlieb argues that the lawsuit is about holding UMG accountable for profiting from "dangerous misinformation that has already resulted in multiple acts of violence".

The core of Drake's lawsuit stems from Lamar's accusation of pedophilia in "Not Like Us," a claim Drake alleges UMG profited from and artificially boosted. Drake points to the song's success, including five Grammy awards and a Super Bowl performance, as evidence of the damage done.

UMG is seeking dismissal, while Drake's lawyers aim to prove the validity of his claims of injury and unethical conduct by UMG. Despite the outcome of the rap battle, Drake remains a leading figure in hip-hop, having topped the 2024 IFPI list as the best-selling hip-hop artist.

The court will now hear arguments from both sides, with Drake's team arguing that UMG is trying to avoid responsibility for "endangering, abusing and taking advantage of its artists" .