Additional Coverage:
- Drake claims Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance was ‘orchestrated to assassinate’ his character (nbcnews.com)
Drake Reignites Legal Feud with Universal Music Group Over Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track
The ongoing legal battle between rapper Drake and Universal Music Group (UMG) has intensified, with Drake amending his lawsuit to include Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy wins and Super Bowl performance as further fuel to the fire. Both artists are signed to different divisions within UMG.
Drake’s initial lawsuit, filed in January, accused UMG of defamation for promoting Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” which contains lyrics labeling Drake a “pedophile” and “predator.” UMG dismissed the lawsuit as an attempt by Drake to salvage his reputation after losing their rap battle.
However, Drake’s amended complaint argues that Lamar’s high-profile appearances at the Super Bowl and Grammy Awards introduced the allegedly defamatory song to a wider audience, leading to a surge in streams and an increase in threats against Drake and his family. While Lamar omitted the word “pedophile” during his Super Bowl performance, Drake’s lawyers contend that the damage was already done.
Drake insists the lawsuit targets UMG, not Lamar, accusing the music giant of prioritizing profit over artist safety by exploiting and monetizing false allegations. The complaint cites instances of threats against Drake following the song’s release, including a gunman who shot and wounded his security guard. Drake’s legal team alleges that UMG continued to promote the track despite knowing about the escalating threats.
Furthermore, the lawsuit accuses UMG of using its influence to secure Grammy nominations and wins for “Not Like Us,” even calling the Super Bowl halftime show “an orchestrated attempt to assassinate [Drake’s] character.”
UMG has vehemently denied these claims, labeling the lawsuit “frivolous and reckless” and accusing Drake’s legal team of misleading him. They maintain that the lawsuit is baseless and will ultimately fail.
A federal judge recently denied UMG’s request to delay discovery, paving the way for both sides to access potentially sensitive documents. Drake’s attorney expressed confidence that the evidence will expose UMG’s misconduct, while UMG retorted that Drake himself will be subject to the same scrutiny. The legal battle continues, promising further drama and revelations.