Universal Music Group (UMG) has responded sharply to Drake’s lawsuit, which he filed in New York. Drake claims that UMG promoted Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” in a way that falsely painted him as a criminal, following a rap battle loss to Lamar. UMG argues that Drake is merely seeking a way to mend his pride through this legal action.
In their motion to dismiss, UMG stated that Drake initiated the battle and should accept the outcome. They criticize his lawsuit as baseless, suggesting it’s an attempt to divert attention from the defeat. They argue that the claims don’t hold up legally, pointing out that “Not Like Us” features opinions rather than factual statements, meaning UMG can’t be accused of any wrongdoing.
Interestingly, only a few years ago, Drake signed a petition against using rap lyrics in legal cases. UMG’s motion remarks on this double standard, asserting he’s changed his stance since then.
Drake’s attorney, Michael J. Gottlieb, shared that UMG is trying to downplay their responsibility by framing the case as a simple rap feud. He insists this lawsuit is about holding UMG accountable for allegedly profiting from harmful misinformation, which he argues has already caused violence.
In January, Drake filed his lawsuit, claiming UMG promoted “Not Like Us” to suggest he was involved in illegal activities. This claim has sparked considerable debate, especially given the recent statistics showing an increase in artists filing defamation cases related to music. For instance, a 2022 survey indicated that 42% of musicians felt vulnerable to backlash from their art being taken literally in legal contexts.
The song “Not Like Us” became a major hit after its release in May. Drake believes the success was due to UMG artificially boosting it to overshadow his own music. Notably, following the song’s release, UMG also dismissed another legal motion from Drake claiming they malfunctioned in promoting “Not Like Us.”
As the legal battle unfolds, the broader conversation around the implications of free speech in rap music continues to gain traction. With fans and artists alike taking to social media to express their views, this case highlights the tension between artistic expression and its real-world consequences. According to reports, conversations surrounding the ethics of music promotion and the depiction of artists in media are becoming increasingly relevant, especially in today’s digital age.
For further context on this growing debate, the Pew Research Center has published reports on how false information in media can impact public perception and legal repercussions, which could be insightful for those following this case.
Check out this related article: UMG Responds to Drake’s Lawsuit on Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’: A Bold Move to Protect Their Reputation
Source linkDrake,Kendrick Lamar,Universal Music Group
