Toronto rapper Drake is intensifying his legal fight against Universal Music Group (UMG) by requesting sensitive documents related to Kendrick Lamar in a defamation lawsuit.
The court is being urged to compel UMG and its CEO, Lucian Grainge, to provide Kendrick Lamar’s full contract.
DRAKE VS UMG
He also wants details on allegations of domestic violence and other supposed criminal activities tied to the Compton rapper, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Drake alleges that UMG supported defamatory claims against him through Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us.
He claims the aim was to undermine Drake’s music and brand during contract negotiations.
HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?
This bitter feud erupted after Drake and J. Cole’s 2023 song First Person Shooter. In that song, they branded themselves the “big three” alongside Lamar.
Kendrick responded dismissively, sparking a series of acrimonious diss tracks that have included serious accusations. These accusations include domestic abuse and pedophilia.
Drake’s legal team argues that UMG has only provided a heavily redacted 22-page version of Lamar’s contract, which they claim is unreadable.
They’re now seeking access to the full, unredacted contract alongside financial records detailing Interscope’s profits.
DRAKE AND LAMAR’S CATALOGUE
Drake’s team also wants the valuation of Lamar’s music catalogue over the last five and a half years.
Drake contends this information is crucial because he believes UMG promoted the alleged defamatory content to increase its profits.
Drake’s diss track Family Matters notably accuses Lamar of mistreating his wife and questioning his fatherhood.
He sings, “When you put your hands on your girl, is it self-defence ‘cause she’s bigger than you?”. He also alleges, “They hired a crisis management team to clean up the fact that you beat on your queen.”
UMG RESPONDS
In response, UMG insists that Lucian Grainge had “no meaningful involvement” in the dispute.
The lawsuit underscores how disputes in the entertainment world can escalate beyond music into complex legal arenas, involving allegations that reverberate in public and private spheres.
Drake’s fight for transparency and truth continues, with discovery ongoing and critical documents yet to be fully disclosed. The courts and public await the unfolding of this high-profile battle.
The contract details and the alleged crimes’ evidence request demonstrate the extent to which these rap icons are willing to go in defending their reputations.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE ALLEGATIONS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MADE IN THIS CASE?
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