Drake’s Label Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuit: Kendrick Lamar’s Allegations in ‘Not Like Us’ Leave Everyone Astonished

Drake’s legal saga with Universal Music Group (UMG) continues as the label has filed a motion to dismiss his amended defamation lawsuit. This case began in January when Drake accused UMG of promoting Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” in a way that defamed him. He claimed this promotion was intentional. In March, UMG sought to dismiss the initial suit, but Drake’s team responded in April with an updated complaint.

This new complaint alleges that UMG knowingly promoted “Not Like Us” during Lamar’s Super Bowl performance and at the Grammy Awards. However, UMG claims that the updated lawsuit just reiterates points made before, emphasizing that Drake himself has removed "obviously false" claims.

In their arguments, UMG pointed out that Lamar’s Super Bowl performance didn’t include any derogatory lyrics about Drake. They argue that Drake’s suit is not about defamation but rather an attack on Lamar’s success, highlighting how competitive the rap industry can be. A spokesperson for UMG noted that Drake has a history of provocative lyrics aimed at other artists, suggesting that he engages in a "performative rap-battle" and should not claim defamation when he participates in such exchanges.

Further complicating matters, UMG argued that the evidence Drake presented—anonymous online comments—cannot be taken seriously, as they are often unreliable. They clarified that Drake had previously retracted claims about UMG using bots to promote the song, indicating inconsistencies in his case.

Despite UMG’s motion to dismiss, the legal process is still underway. A judge recently allowed Drake to continue gathering evidence, including contracts related to Lamar’s music. This unfolding drama captures the intense dynamics and rivalries in the music industry, showing how creative expressions can lead to serious legal battles.

For context, these tensions aren’t new in hip-hop. Historically, artists have often faced off in both lyrical competitions and legal disputes, reflecting the genre’s competitive nature. As the trial unfolds, it could set a significant precedent for how defamation cases in the music industry are handled in the future.

For further insights on legal issues in music, you can refer to resources like the American Bar Association which provides a deeper look into entertainment law.

Source link

Drake,Kendrick Lamar,Universal Music Group