The judge denied Universal Music Group’s motion to keep its discovery in Drake’s libel case, which means the rapper will get a contract agreement between UMG and Kendrick Lamar.
Drake wins slight victory in UMG lawsuit
On Tuesday (April 2), U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled that Drake was able to obtain contracts and internal communications about Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” release of UMG, a song Drake is suing the music company. The materials include: “Kendrick Lamar’s contract with UMG; decisions and newsletters regarding the release of defamatory material, including documents and newsletters related to UMG’s recent promotions regarding the Grammy Awards and Super Bowl.”
In addition, Drake’s attorneys also hoped that “document and communication regarding decisions on continuing to publish and facilitate defamatory material; documents and communication regarding UMG; allegations about UMG, i.e. allegations in defamatory material; documents reflecting UMG’s revenue and profits have been generated and retained for the five years (and the green range) (and the green range) (and the green range) on UMG); and circumstances of progressive approval on UMG; objecting to lyrics or other content.”
Both parties were ordered to submit a proposed case management plan or if they could not agree on the time of discovery by April 9, 2025.
“It’s time to see what UMG is trying so desperately to hide,” Drake’s attorney Michael Gottlieb said in a statement to XXL.
Read more: Fans think Drake captures all the wild ways Kendrick Lamar has in “Nokia” video
Drake presses “Don’t Like Us”
After filing two former petitions against UMG last November, Drake sued UMG for defamation to distribute Kendrick Lamar’s “Don’t Like Us” in January. The Canadian rap star claimed he was vilified on the track, which called him a child predator. He also claimed that UMG used Payola and Bots to artificially exaggerate the song so executives could cheer on with incentives.
UMG denied Drake’s allegations. In March, they filed a motion asking the judge to dismiss the case.
“The plaintiff was one of the most successful record artists of all time, losing the rap battle he caused and willing to participate,” the motion read. “Instead of accepting the loss as an unpopular rap artist he often claims to be, he sued his own record label to mislead his wounds.
XXL has been contacted by UMG for comment.
