Drake alleges he suffered from defamation during the Grammys and Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl half-time performance.
Fresh Take:
Drake is taking Universal Music Group (UMG) to court over a defamation claim, asserting that Kendrick Lamar's infamous diss track, "Not Like Us," introduced damaging allegations to a massive audience, both during the Super Bowl halftime show and the Grammys. Drake's lawyers argued that the song, which accused him of being a pedophile, went viral and led to threats against him and his family.
Originally filed in January, Drake's lawsuit has expanded to include UMG, his current label, with the rapper alleging that the label failed to act when he first raised concerns about the defamatory song. In Wednesday's amended complaint, Drake didn't accuse Lamar, who is an Interscope Records artist, of any wrongdoing. UMG, however, has argued that the lawsuit should be dismissed, and their motion is still pending.
The dispute between the two prominent rappers, who traded allegedly personal and unverified insults in a series of songs, originated from a feud last year. Lamar's song contained a line that alleged Drake was a "certified pedophile," an allegation Drake vehemently denies. During the Super Bowl halftime show, Lamar skipped over the controversial line, but the moment where he accused Drake of targeting young girls went viral.
At the Grammys, a week prior to the Super Bowl, Lamar took home five awards, including record of the year and song of the year. Although he didn't perform "Not Like Us" during the ceremony, snippets were played on multiple occasions when Lamar won, and the crowd audibly sang along. The Super Bowl performance, which earned an average of 133.5 million viewers, making it the "most-watched Super Bowl halftime performance in history," according to Fox, broadcast the allegedly defamatory song to an enormous audience.
UMG has repeatedly denied Drake's defamation allegations, joking that Drake's legal representatives might be misguiding him into taking "one absurd legal step after another." The label has also criticized the lawsuit as illogical and frivolous, stating it could restrict free-speech protections for musical artists. However, Drake secured an early procedural victory when a judge rejected UMG's attempt to pause the legal fact-finding process, known as "discovery."
With the discovery process now moving forward, Drake's legal team can depose executives, gather detailed information about contracts, compensation, and incentives involving Kendrick Lamar and UMG executives, including Interscope CEO John Janick. Drake's lawyer Michael Gottlieb expressed confidence, stating that the legal battle will reveal evidence of UMG's misconduct and hold the label accountable.
UMG, on the other hand, has warned that if the lawsuit continues, Drake himself could be subject to discovery, suggesting that the initial procedural win for Drake might ultimately backfire. The trial is on track to potentially begin in summer 2026, and out-of-court settlement discussions will likely occur before then.
Insights:- After the initial procedural win allowing discovery, Drake’s lawsuit has moved forward into a more intensive discovery phase where contract and executive documents related to Kendrick Lamar are being sought.- UMG has consistently denied Drake’s allegations and criticized the lawsuit as frivolous and reckless. The label warned that if the lawsuit continues, Drake himself could be subject to discovery.
- Drake's legal team is preparing for an intense phase of discovery as his lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) moves forward.
- In the forthcoming legal process, executives and documents related to Interscope Records artist, Kendrick Lamar, will be under scrutiny.
- The music industry and pop-culture enthusiasts are closely watching this high-profile entertainment dispute between two celebrated celebrities, Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
- UMG's executives, including Interscope CEO John Janick, may have their contracts and compensation details examined during the discovery in Drake's defamation lawsuit.
- Despite Drake securing an initial procedural victory, UMG has advised that continued pursuit of the lawsuit could lead to discovery against Drake himself.
