Drake is pursuing legal action against Kendrick Lamar and Universal Music Group for alleged defamation stemming from Lamar's song "Not Like Us," claiming that it portrays him in a false light.
Court Grants Drake Access to Kendrick Lamar's Contracts Amid Defamation Case
Court Grants Drake Access to Kendrick Lamar's Contracts Amid Defamation Case
In a significant development in the ongoing legal feud between them, Drake has been authorized to review Kendrick Lamar's record contracts and executive compensation details as part of his defamation lawsuit.
In a recent court ruling, Drake received the go-ahead to access sensitive documents related to Kendrick Lamar’s contracts amid his defamation lawsuit against both Lamar and Universal Music Group (UMG). Drake is contesting the lyrics of Lamar’s song “Not Like Us,” which he claims have projected a "false and malicious narrative" about him, specifically an allegation of paedophilia.
Drake is seeking extensive documentation, including all contracts between UMG and Kendrick Lamar, along with details of salaries and bonuses for UMG executives, dating back to 2020. UMG had previously sought to dismiss the case, describing Drake's lawsuit as "illogical" and an attempt to suppress Lamar’s creative expression. They also argued that complying with Drake's demands would impose an undue burden due to the "commercially sensitive" nature of the information.
Despite UMG's efforts, Judge Jeannette A Vargas ruled that the process of evidence gathering, known as discovery, should continue. Drake's attorney, Michael Gottlieb, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, indicating that it would shed light on what UMG may have wanted to conceal. A hearing regarding UMG's motion to dismiss the case is scheduled for June 30.
The ongoing feud between Drake and Lamar has intensified in recent years, with both artists verbally sparring in their music. In a previous exchange, Drake accused Lamar of domestic abuse, to which Lamar retaliated in “Not Like Us,” labeling Drake and his associates as "certified paedophiles" who should be monitored.
Drake has accused UMG of knowing the lyrics were false yet choosing to promote them for profit, even suggesting that the label collaborated with Spotify to inflate streaming numbers for the controversial track—a claim both parties have dismissed as unfounded.
UMG, which has worked with Drake for over a decade, emphasized that Drake is attempting to weaponize the legal system to stifle artistic freedom, referring to his claims as not only false but detrimental to the credibility they have built over the years.
"Not Like Us" has enjoyed substantial commercial success, marking Kendrick Lamar’s first number one single in the UK shortly after a performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show, which further propels the tension surrounding this high-profile legal dispute.
