Drake's legal battle intensifies as he seeks transparency in the details behind Kendrick Lamar's record contracts and executive compensation, claiming defamation through controversial lyrics.
Drake Secures Access to Kendrick Lamar's Contracts Amid Defamation Case
Drake Secures Access to Kendrick Lamar's Contracts Amid Defamation Case
Judge permits Drake to review Universal Music Group's documents in lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar.
Drake has received approval from the court to access crucial documents related to Kendrick Lamar's record contracts in a defamation case stemming from Lamar's song "Not Like Us." The rapper had requested access to Kendrick's recording agreements and details on the salaries and bonuses of key executives at Universal Music Group (UMG), which releases both artists.
In his lawsuit, Drake alleges that UMG's decision to publish and promote Lamar's track propagated a "false and malicious narrative" that accused him of being a paedophile. Last month, UMG sought to dismiss the case, which the company termed an "illogical" attempt to inhibit Lamar’s artistic freedom. The label also requested a halt on the discovery process while their dismissal motion was deliberated.
On Wednesday, Judge Jeannette A Vargas dismissed this request and ordered that discovery procedures continue. Michael Gottlieb, the lead attorney for Drake, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding UMG's operations.
Drake's legal team is pursuing documents dating back to 2020 that include all contracts between UMG and Kendrick Lamar, alongside the financial incentives for senior label staff. UMG has contended that fulfilling this request would impose an "undue burden" and was unnecessarily costly, given the legitimacy of their dismissal motion. A hearing regarding that motion is planned for June 30.
The conflict between Drake and Lamar has been prominent, particularly after they exchanged barbs in various rap tracks last year. Notably, in one song, Drake accused Lamar of domestic violence, prompting the latter to retaliate through "Not Like Us," which controversially labeled Drake and his associates as "certified paedophiles" deserving of scrutiny.
Drake's court filings assert that UMG was aware of the factual inaccuracies in Lamar's lyrics but opted to promote the song for profit. Additionally, the lawsuit includes allegations of collusion between UMG and Spotify to artificially inflate streaming figures for "Not Like Us," claims denied by both entities.
In its defense, UMG, representing Drake for over ten years, argued that the assertion it would damage any artist's reputation is unfounded. The label stated that Drake has consistently used UMG to release music and engage in what are commonly viewed as playful rap rivalries. UMG also indicated that Drake is attempting to manipulate the legal system to stifle creative expression and generate profit through litigation.
"Not Like Us" has achieved significant commercial success, becoming the most successful single of Kendrick Lamar's career and marking his first number one in the UK shortly after his celebrated Super Bowl performance.
In his lawsuit, Drake alleges that UMG's decision to publish and promote Lamar's track propagated a "false and malicious narrative" that accused him of being a paedophile. Last month, UMG sought to dismiss the case, which the company termed an "illogical" attempt to inhibit Lamar’s artistic freedom. The label also requested a halt on the discovery process while their dismissal motion was deliberated.
On Wednesday, Judge Jeannette A Vargas dismissed this request and ordered that discovery procedures continue. Michael Gottlieb, the lead attorney for Drake, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding UMG's operations.
Drake's legal team is pursuing documents dating back to 2020 that include all contracts between UMG and Kendrick Lamar, alongside the financial incentives for senior label staff. UMG has contended that fulfilling this request would impose an "undue burden" and was unnecessarily costly, given the legitimacy of their dismissal motion. A hearing regarding that motion is planned for June 30.
The conflict between Drake and Lamar has been prominent, particularly after they exchanged barbs in various rap tracks last year. Notably, in one song, Drake accused Lamar of domestic violence, prompting the latter to retaliate through "Not Like Us," which controversially labeled Drake and his associates as "certified paedophiles" deserving of scrutiny.
Drake's court filings assert that UMG was aware of the factual inaccuracies in Lamar's lyrics but opted to promote the song for profit. Additionally, the lawsuit includes allegations of collusion between UMG and Spotify to artificially inflate streaming figures for "Not Like Us," claims denied by both entities.
In its defense, UMG, representing Drake for over ten years, argued that the assertion it would damage any artist's reputation is unfounded. The label stated that Drake has consistently used UMG to release music and engage in what are commonly viewed as playful rap rivalries. UMG also indicated that Drake is attempting to manipulate the legal system to stifle creative expression and generate profit through litigation.
"Not Like Us" has achieved significant commercial success, becoming the most successful single of Kendrick Lamar's career and marking his first number one in the UK shortly after his celebrated Super Bowl performance.
