Universal Music Group (UMG) has responded to Drake’s lawsuit claiming the label damaged his reputation with Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us”. The label argues that Drake’s lawsuit is a “misguided attempt” to salve his wounds after losing a rap battle.
In its response, UMG points out that Drake previously agreed not to criminalize artists based on their lyrics. However, the label claims that Drake can’t claim “Not Like Us” is defamatory since the broader context surrounding the song meant the audience was anticipating aggressive lyrics.
UMG also asserts that both Drake and Lamar used fiery lyrics in their diss tracks, including hyperbolic slurs. The label argues that rappers know their lyrics are exaggerated and nonfactual, which is part of the craft. UMG refutes allegations that “Not Like Us” issued a “call to violence”, pointing out that violent metaphors are par for the course in rap music.
The label also pushes back on Drake’s claims that UMG artificially inflated streams of “Not Like Us” using bots and payola. UMG disputes these claims, stating that there is no evidence of any stream manipulation. The label asserts that Drake’s theory on this matter is wildly speculative and not cognizable.
Drake’s lawyer remains unyielding in his assertion that UMG is avoiding accountability for its artists’ well-being.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/631902/drake-umg-not-like-us-lawsuit-response