In a significant development, Universal Music Group (UMG) has formally responded to Drake’s recent federal lawsuit, requesting the court to dismiss the defamation claim. The response includes a reference to Drake’s iconic lyrics from his hit song, emphasizing the competitive spirit of the rap industry.
UMG’s legal team asserts that Drake, who is recognized as one of the most accomplished recording artists, instigated a rap battle and subsequently failed to accept the outcome. They argue that Drake’s lawsuit against his label represents a misguided attempt to address personal grievances, stating, “Plaintiff’s Complaint is utterly without merit and should be dismissed with prejudice.”
The motion highlights the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, noting that public disputes among rap artists are common. UMG’s attorneys also acknowledged Drake’s history of engaging in rap feuds, having previously exchanged diss tracks with notable artists.
Further, UMG’s legal response discusses the nature of the lyrics exchanged between Drake and Lamar, categorizing them as hyperbolic insults, similar to other diss tracks in their rivalry. They argue that Drake previously utilized UMG’s platform to deliver insults about Lamar, yet now labels Lamar’s “Not Like Us” as defamatory.
“Drake fails to state a claim for defamation because ‘Not Like Us’ conveys nonactionable opinion and rhetorical hyperbole, not fact,” stated UMG’s lawyers, asserting that Drake cannot sufficiently prove that UMG acted with actual malice.
UMG’s response also defends the label against additional allegations from Drake regarding harassment and improper promotion. Drake’s lead attorney responded, asserting that UMG’s motions are an attempt to obscure deeper issues of accountability linked to the label’s practices, asserting confidence that the case will proceed and expose UMG’s troubling history with its artists.
