Universal Music Group (UMG) is pushing to dismiss Drake’s lawsuit, claiming the Toronto rapper is using the courts to recover from a public rap battle defeat against Kendrick Lamar.
In a strongly worded motion filed on Monday, March 17, UMG called for the lawsuit’s dismissal, arguing that Drake is attempting to “salve his wounds” after losing a lyrical showdown he initiated. The legal document, first reported by Variety, contends that Drake is using litigation as a “misguided attempt” to shift the narrative following his clash with Lamar.
Drake vs. UMG: A War of Words Turns Legal
The motion states, “Plaintiff’s Complaint is utterly without merit and should be dismissed with prejudice.” It further criticizes Drake for what UMG views as hypocrisy, referencing a public petition he signed three years ago condemning the use of rap lyrics in legal proceedings.
“Drake was right then and is wrong now,” the motion argues. “His unjustified claims against UMG are no more than an attempt to save face for his unsuccessful rap battle with Lamar.”
Drake’s lawsuit alleges that UMG engaged in unethical practices, including the artificial promotion of Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us, which dominated streaming platforms following their highly publicized feud. The rapper’s legal team is pushing for accountability, claiming the label has been complicit in fueling dangerous misinformation.
Drake’s Legal Team Responds
Michael J. Gottlieb, Drake’s attorney, swiftly responded to UMG’s filing, dismissing it as a “desperate ploy” to evade responsibility.
“UMG wants to pretend that this is about a rap battle in order to distract its shareholders, artists, and the public from a simple truth: a greedy company is finally being held responsible for profiting from dangerous misinformation that has already resulted in multiple acts of violence,” Gottlieb stated.
He further added, “We have every confidence that this case will proceed and continue to uncover UMG’s long history of endangering, abusing, and taking advantage of its artists.”
UMG’s Separate Motion in Texas
The latest motion comes after UMG’s previous attempt to dismiss Drake’s pre-suit deposition request in Texas. That request sought evidence linking UMG to the alleged artificial boosting of Not Like Us. The label maintains that Drake’s claims lack substance and should not proceed in court.
With both parties standing firm, the legal clash between Drake and Universal Music Group is far from over. Whether the court will side with the label or allow Drake’s case to move forward remains to be seen.
