Drake has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), claiming the label has spread false narratives that jeopardize his reputation and safety. The lawsuit, filed in a New York federal court, centers around UMG's promotion of Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us," which Drake alleges contains damaging allegations against him.
Key Takeaways
Drake accuses UMG of promoting Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" with false narratives.
The lawsuit claims UMG's actions were intended to undermine Drake's brand and future contracts.
UMG has responded, calling the lawsuit illogical and defending its support for Drake's career.
Drake's lawsuit alleges that UMG was aware of the inflammatory content in Lamar's song, which includes false accusations of pedophilia against him. He describes the song as a "gold mine" for UMG, built on shocking allegations that could harm his public image.
In the lawsuit, Drake claims that UMG utilized bots to artificially inflate the song's streaming numbers by at least 30 million, engaging in deceptive practices to promote the track. He also accuses the label of participating in a "pay for play" scheme with a radio promotion company, asserting that the data supporting the song's success is fraudulent.
Drake's legal team emphasizes that this case is not about Kendrick Lamar as an artist but rather about UMG's role in publishing and promoting the song. The lawsuit highlights the potential dangers Drake faces due to the song's content, citing incidents of violence near his home in Toronto.
UMG's Response
In response to the lawsuit, UMG has issued a statement dismissing Drake's claims as untrue and illogical. The label asserts that it has invested significantly in Drake's career and has worked diligently to support his success over the years.
UMG's statement reads:
We have not and do not engage in defamation against any individual.
"Drake has used UMG to distribute his music and engage in rap battles, and now seeks to weaponize the legal process against us."
The music giant has vowed to vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit, emphasizing its commitment to protecting its reputation and the rights of artists.
Ongoing Legal Battles
This lawsuit is part of a broader legal struggle for Drake, who recently withdrew a separate legal action against UMG and Spotify regarding the amplification of Lamar's streams. However, he still has a pending case set for a January 28 hearing in Texas against UMG and iHeartRadio.
Spotify has also responded to Drake's allegations, labeling them as false and asserting that there is no evidence to support claims of bot usage or collusion with UMG. The streaming service criticized Drake's legal maneuvers as an attempt to bypass standard judicial processes.
As the legal battle unfolds, the music industry watches closely, as it could have significant implications for artist-label relationships and the integrity of music promotion practices. Drake's high-profile status and the serious nature of the allegations ensure that this case will remain in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.
Sources
Drake Sues Universal Music Group for Defamation, The Source Magazine.
Universal Music Group Slams Drake's Lawsuit 'Illogical' and Calls Out His Rap Battle History, The Source Magazine.
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