In his legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG), Drake is now pushing for complete access to Kendrick Lamar’s recording contract. The request draws attention to the specifics of Lamar’s business dealings with the label.
Drake has new demands in UMG lawsuit
Drake’s ongoing legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” has escalated. He is now demanding unredacted access to Lamar’s recording contract and other sensitive information.
In newly filed court motions, Drake is seeking material that ranges from financial records to allegations of criminal conduct involving Lamar. The rapper says that the evidence will support his claim that UMG backed defamatory accusations in the hit single to boost its own profits.
Drake has asked the court to compel UMG and its chief executive, Sir Lucian Grainge, to turn over Lamar’s full contract with Interscope Records. He is also seeking documents related to allegations of domestic violence and other crimes linked to the Compton rapper. Drake and Lamar are both signed to UMG but operate under different divisions: Drake through Republic Records and Lamar through Interscope.
The suit alleges that UM chief executive, Lucian Grainge, encouraged rivalry between the two divisions and played a major role in pushing the song’s success. Drake wants Grainge’s communications and documents related to both the alleged crimes and the marketing strategy for “Not Like Us” (via The Guardian).
The rapper also seeks records detailing Interscope’s revenues, profits, and the valuation of Lamar’s recording catalogue over the last five and a half years. His legal team argues these figures could show a financial motive behind the alleged defamation. Additionally, Drake wants documents related to UMG’s past practices of censoring works containing defamatory material, claiming the label chose not to exercise that right in this instance.
UMG said in March that Drake “lost a rap battle that he provoked.” The label has moved to dismiss the case.
