The legal battle between Drake and Universal Music Group (UMG) is heating up after the label filed a motion to dismiss his lawsuit over the promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.”
Now, Drake’s lead attorney, Michael Gottlieb, is firing back, accusing UMG of using the motion to dismiss the lawsuit as a distraction from its alleged misconduct.
In an exclusive statement provided sent to us via email, Gottlieb issued a scathing response:
“UMG wants to pretend that this is about a rap battle in order to distract its shareholders, artists, and the public from a simple truth: a greedy company is finally being held responsible for profiting from dangerous misinformation that has already resulted in multiple acts of violence. This motion is a desperate ploy by UMG to avoid accountability, but we have every confidence that this case will proceed and continue to uncover UMG’s long history of endangering and abusing its artists.”
What’s at the Heart of This Lawsuit?
Drake’s lawsuit against UMG, his longtime label, alleges that the company actively promoted Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” knowing that it contained inflammatory and, as Drake claims, “defamatory” lyrics. The track, which exploded in popularity, fueled an already intense feud between the two rap giants, leading to real-world altercations among their fanbases.
Drake’s legal team contends that UMG’s involvement in distributing and pushing the track made it complicit in the spread of damaging falsehoods that put the rapper’s safety at risk. His lawyers argue that by doing so, the company prioritized monetary gain over the well-being of its artists.
UMG, however, dismissed these claims outright in its filing, stating that Drake is simply upset over “losing a rap battle he provoked and willingly participated in.” The label insists that “Not Like Us” falls under free speech and artistic expression, not defamation.
The Bigger Picture: UMG’s Alleged ‘History of Abuse’
Gottlieb’s statement goes beyond the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar feud, implying that this case is about a broader pattern of exploitation by UMG. His claim that the label has a “long history of endangering and abusing its artists” raises questions about industry practices, artist rights, and corporate accountability in the music business.
While UMG has not yet responded to Gottlieb’s latest remarks, the intensity of this legal battle suggests that it won’t be quietly settled. Insiders predict that the case could set a precedent for how record labels handle artist disputes, diss tracks, and their responsibilities when dealing with high-profile conflicts.
With Drake’s team doubling down on its accusations against UMG, it’s clear that this lawsuit is far from over. The court’s decision on whether to dismiss the case or allow it to proceed will have major implications for both parties and could reshape legal boundaries in the rap industry.
For now, all eyes remain on UMG’s next move, and whether Drake’s lawsuit will survive the dismissal attempt. One thing is for sure: this feud is no longer just about music.
Stay tuned for updates as this legal drama unfolds.
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