Universal Music CEO Defends Against 'Farcical' Drake Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us'

The Legal Battle Between Drake and Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) CEO Lucian Grainge has strongly criticized Drake’s defamation lawsuit against the record label, calling it “farcical” in a letter submitted to the court. This response came after Drake accused Grainge of being personally involved in the release and promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” Grainge denied these allegations, stating that they were “groundless and indeed ridiculous.”

In his letter, which was filed in New York federal court on Thursday night, Grainge emphasized that he had never heard the song or seen its music video until they were officially released. He argued that Drake’s lawsuit makes no sense, especially since Drake is also signed to UMG. Grainge further accused Drake of attempting to waste time and resources by requesting communications from both himself and UMG as part of the legal discovery process.

This development follows a series of documents filed by Drake’s legal team, which requested evidence as the rapper continues with his lawsuit. Drake is accusing UMG of promoting a “false and malicious narrative” that he is a pedophile through Lamar’s song “Not Like Us.” Among the many requests, Drake sought Lamar’s contracts with UMG, documents related to UMG’s efforts to promote “Not Like Us,” and communications with streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube. These actions come after Drake alleged that UMG used bots to inflate the song’s streams.

Drake’s lawyers also demanded communications concerning “allegations of domestic violence, violence against women, and/or other forms of violence committed by Kendrick Lamar.” This request followed an allegation Drake made in his diss track “Family Matters,” where he claimed Lamar was abusive to his partner. While Lamar has previously denied these allegations, he has not responded publicly to the claims since Drake’s diss track or the subsequent lawsuit.

Why Is Drake Suing UMG?

Drake initiated the lawsuit in January, accusing UMG of knowingly promoting false narratives about him by releasing and promoting “Not Like Us.” This track, released by Lamar last year, became a focal point of a widely publicized feud between the two rappers. In “Not Like Us,” Lamar implies that Drake is a pedophile, with lyrics such as: “‘Certified Lover Boy’? Certified pedophiles,” and, “Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A-Minor.” Drake has repeatedly denied the pedophilia allegations, citing a May 2024 incident in which a security guard was shot outside his Toronto home.

Despite the allegations, Drake’s lawsuit does not target Kendrick Lamar directly. In both the original and amended complaints filed in April, UMG is listed as the only defendant. Drake’s complaint explicitly states that the lawsuit is not about the artist who created “Not Like Us,” but rather about UMG, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit, and monetize what it understood to be false and dangerous allegations.

The Rap Feud Between Drake and Kendrick Lamar

Between March 2024 and May 2024, Drake and Lamar engaged in a highly publicized rap feud, exchanging diss tracks in quick succession. “Not Like Us” became a chart-topping, Grammy-winning hit, marking what many observers considered Lamar’s “victory lap.” Throughout the exchange, the rappers traded wild allegations, including Lamar’s claim that Drake fathered a secret child, which he denied, and Drake’s accusation that he had planted false information in hopes that Lamar would use it against him in a diss track.

The ongoing legal battle highlights the complex dynamics between artists, record labels, and the public perception of their work. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the courts will interpret the allegations and whether the dispute will ultimately affect the careers of those involved.