UMG Pushes Back Against Drake’s Legal Demands in Defamation Lawsuit
Universal Music Group (UMG) is currently in a legal skirmish with Drake, as the rapper’s legal team seeks access to top-tier communications in the ongoing defamation lawsuit involving the alleged diss-track, “Not Like Us,” by Kendrick Lamar. Drake’s lawyers have requested the custodial files of UMG CEO Sir Lucian Grainge, including emails, under the claim of needing extensive information for their case. However, UMG has firmly contested this demand, stating that Grainge was not involved in the production or approval of the track. As a response, UMG filed a sharply-worded rebuttal, with Grainge himself emphasizing that his responsibilities as CEO focus on global strategy rather than the intricacies of individual track releases.
UMG argues that the premise of Drake’s motion suggests an unfounded conspiracy within the company’s highest ranks, labeling it as absurd and a distraction tactic meant to waste time and resources. The label group underscores that any relevant documents should already be supplied through executives directly involved in the track’s release. Furthermore, UMG is resisting Drake’s attempt to obtain Kendrick Lamar’s full record contract, describing the request as an attempt to misuse the discovery process for harassment and unnecessary probing into competitor relationships.
This legal back-and-forth not only highlights the complexities of high-profile music industry lawsuits but also underscores the fiercely guarded corporate boundaries within. As both parties await Judge Jeanette Vargas’s decision on the release of these materials, the case serves as a vivid reminder of the intricate dynamics at play between powerful artists and leading music corporations. Such high-stakes legal battles intrigue and captivate industry insiders, as they are emblematic of wider tensions in music business practices. In this evolving saga, the outcome may set precedents on how artistic disputes intertwine with corporate protocol and influence.
