In a dramatic turn of events, Universal Music Group (UMG) has moved to dismiss Drake’s lawsuit regarding the controversial promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us.” The legal battle has escalated, with UMG characterizing Drake’s claims as a “misguided attempt to salve his wounds” following a rap battle loss that he instigated.
According to newly filed documents obtained by legal reporter Meghann Cuniff, UMG’s lawyers argue that Drake, one of the most successful artists in rap history, is deflecting accountability by suing his own record label instead of accepting defeat. “Plaintiff’s complaint is utterly without merit and should be dismissed with prejudice,” the statement reads, suggesting that Drake’s grievances stem from his pride rather than any legitimate wrongdoing by the label.
In response, Drake’s attorney, Michael Gottlieb, vehemently refuted UMG’s claims. He accused the label of attempting to distract the public and shareholders from the real issue: their alleged exploitation and dissemination of harmful misinformation that has led to real-world violence. “This motion is a desperate ploy by UMG to avoid accountability,” Gottlieb asserted, expressing confidence that the case will proceed and reveal UMG’s troubling history regarding its artists.
The legal proceedings are heating up, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for April 2, despite UMG’s efforts to postpone it. Discovery in the case is also set to begin, a process UMG had deemed “premature.” Drake’s lawsuit alleges that UMG facilitated the creation of a viral hit that falsely accused him of heinous acts and called for violent retaliation against him, asserting that the label engaged in unlawful practices to amplify the track’s reach.
As the legal drama unfolds, the public is left to wonder about the implications of this lawsuit on both Drake’s career and the music industry as a whole. With UMG firmly denying the accusations, the stage is set for a showdown that could reveal deeper issues within the music business and its treatment of artists. The coming weeks will be critical as both sides prepare to present their cases in court.
