Drake has intensified his legal battle against Universal Music Group (UMG) by filing a civil appeal related to defamation claims stemming from the controversial track “Not Like Us.” The appeal comes after a previous lawsuit was dismissed by the court. In a pre-argument statement submitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals, Drake’s legal team has reiterated their stance against UMG, alleging that the company engaged in the dissemination of false and damaging accusations against him.
Details of the Appeal
According to a report by AllHipHop, Drake’s attorneys assert that UMG “knowingly published and promoted… unambiguous and false factual allegations” of serious misconduct in the song. The filing points to the record’s artwork, promotional materials, and music video as evidence of UMG’s complicity in what they describe as damaging assertions.
The appeal also claims that UMG acted with “malicious intent” in an effort to bolster its relationship with Kendrick Lamar, who is often considered a rival of Drake. The document contends that UMG’s motivations were driven by financial gain, particularly through a short-term exclusive contract with Lamar, contrasting with how Drake’s own contract allegedly expired without renegotiation.
In addition to the defamation claims, the filing references threats made against Drake and his loved ones, suggesting that UMG was aware of the potential fallout but continued to promote “Not Like Us” regardless. The statement emphasizes that the artist sought to address these issues directly with UMG, yet his concerns were reportedly ignored.
Background on the Situation
The original lawsuit also highlighted notable events, such as Drake’s Grammy wins and a performance slot at the Super Bowl, which were mentioned as part of the context surrounding the dispute. Despite the ongoing legal tensions, both UMG and Kendrick Lamar have not publicly addressed the appeal. Kendrick has remained largely silent on the matter, aside from a brief reference during the Super Bowl.
In an interesting twist, Drake has reportedly parted ways with his long-time booking agent, Brent Smith, who also represents Lamar. Sources cited by Billboard suggest that the ongoing feud may have influenced this decision. Both artists are also contenders at this year’s Grammy Awards, with Drake vying for Best Melodic Rap Performance while Kendrick Lamar has multiple nominations, including Best Rap Album and Album of the Year.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of this case may extend beyond the courtroom, potentially affecting both artists’ careers and public perceptions. The entertainment industry will undoubtedly be watching closely as Drake and UMG continue their contentious battle.
