Universal Music Group (UMG) has strongly rejected Drake’s defamation lawsuit concerning Kendrick Lamar’s controversial diss track, “Not Like Us.” The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, accuses the music giant of defamation and harassment, claiming that the track falsely associates Drake with pedophilia.
In response, a spokesperson for UMG labeled the claims “untrue” and described them as “illogical.” The company emphasized its long-standing support for Drake, pointing out the substantial investments made in his career and the efforts of employees worldwide to contribute to his commercial and personal success.
“Not only are these claims false, but the idea that we would harm the reputation of any artist, especially Drake, is illogical,” the statement read. “We have been a key partner in distributing his music, and have worked tirelessly to help him achieve unprecedented success.”
UMG further asserted that Drake has previously engaged in rap battles and creative expression through his music with the support of the company. The spokesperson added that Drake was now using the legal system to silence artistic expression, particularly over the song’s distribution.
“We have never engaged in defamation,” the spokesperson continued. “We will vigorously defend this lawsuit to protect our people, our reputation, and any artist who might be unjustly targeted for simply expressing their creativity.”
Drake’s lawsuit argues that UMG was aware of the false and harmful nature of Lamar’s lyrics and the song’s music video. He claims that the company prioritized profit over the well-being of its artists, continuing to promote the track despite knowing the damage it could cause. The lawsuit places the blame on UMG for releasing, promoting, and monetizing the song, rather than Lamar himself.
“This lawsuit is not about the artist who created ‘Not Like Us,’” the legal documents state. “It’s about UMG, the music company that decided to publish and promote allegations it knew were false and dangerous.”
Notably, both Drake and Lamar have been long-time UMG clients, with the company distributing their music. However, the lawsuit suggests that Drake’s deal with UMG is nearing its end, and that the company is attempting to diminish his profile in order to secure more favorable terms in future contract negotiations.
Drake initially filed a legal petition in November, naming both UMG and Spotify, and later included iHeartMedia in the litigation. However, he withdrew the initial petition earlier this week, paving the way for the current lawsuit. Drake appears to have dropped allegations that UMG and Spotify had conspired to inflate the song’s streaming numbers, claims which were firmly denied by both companies.
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