Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit against them by rapper Drake, who claims the record label released and promoted Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” as defamatory. UMG alleges that Drake provoked the feud and is now trying to save face after losing a public rap battle.
The suit claims that “Not Like Us” features hyperbolic insults but accuses UMG of promoting tracks with similar attacks on Lamar. However, UMG argues that it was Drake who encouraged the feud, releasing second recordings to goad Lamar into responding. The label also points out that Drake himself has signed petitions criticizing prosecutors treating rap lyrics as literal fact.
Drake’s attorney Michael J. Gottlieb disputes this, stating that UMG is trying to avoid accountability for profiting from misinformation that has resulted in violence. The case will proceed, and Gottlieb expresses confidence that it will uncover UMG’s history of endangering artists.
Source: https://people.com/drake-label-seeks-dismissal-lawsuit-kendrick-lamar-not-like-us-11698433