Universal Music Group (UMG) has recently addressed Drake’s lawsuit against them, where he claims the label damaged his reputation with Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.” The details in this filing are quite revealing.
UMG argues that Drake’s lawsuit should be dismissed, suggesting he is merely reacting poorly to a tough rap battle. They state, “Instead of accepting the loss like he often claims to be unbothered, he has sued his own record label in an attempt to ease his wounds.”
Drake has previously spoken out against using rap lyrics in criminal cases, noting that artists shouldn’t be punished for their creative expressions. In 2022, he signed a letter advocating for Young Thug, whose lyrics were used against him in court. UMG points out this contradiction, stating, “Drake was right then and is wrong now.”
When “Not Like Us” was released, many anticipated strong lyrics from Lamar. UMG highlights that Drake cannot claim the song is defamatory because it was clear that aggressive lyrics were expected, especially after the heated exchanges in their previous tracks. They noted that both artists have indulged in fiery rhetoric, including loaded lyrics from Drake’s own song, “Family Matters,” which also contains harsh attacks on Lamar.
UMG refutes the idea that Lamar’s track incited violence, even after a disturbing incident where Drake’s security guard was shot shortly after the song dropped. They argue that dramatic language is typical in rap, emphasizing that exaggerated lyrics are part of the craft.
UMG further claims that the controversies mentioned in Lamar’s track have been widely reported before and that Drake himself acknowledged these issues in his lyrics. For instance, in “Taylor Made Freestyle,” he references the well-known controversy regarding his relationships with minors.
Drake has accused UMG of inflating the streams of “Not Like Us” through bots and payola. However, UMG counters these claims, explaining that one of Drake’s sources—an anonymous individual on Twitch—later retracted their statements, suggesting they were hired by Lamar’s manager, not UMG. The label argues that there’s no solid evidence to support Drake’s claims.
Despite UMG’s assertions, Drake’s attorney, Mike Gottlieb, stands firm. He believes that the label is trying to distract from their responsibility. He states, “This motion is a desperate ploy by UMG to avoid accountability.”
This controversy also showcases a broader trend in the music industry, where legal battles and disputes over artistic expression are increasingly visible. A recent survey found that 68% of music artists feel concerned about how their lyrics could be used against them in legal scenarios, reflecting a growing anxiety within the creative community.
As we follow this unfolding situation, it’s clear that it touches not just on personal rivalries but also on significant issues like artistic expression and accountability in the music industry. With UMG and Drake both holding firm, it raises the question—how far will this battle go, and what will it mean for artists in the future?
For more detailed insights, you can check out reports by Rolling Stone and NBC.
Check out this related article: After 3 Impactful Seasons, ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ Explores New Opportunities for Season 4 – What’s Next?
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