Earlier today, we reported that Drake withdrew his legal petition against Universal Music Group and Spotify, accusing the companies of “artificially inflating” plans for Kendrick Lamar’s diss song, Not like us.
Now, according to a legal document filed by Drake today (January 15) and obtained by MBW , the artist has launched a comprehensive defamation action versus Universal Music Group.
In the lawsuit, Drake accuses Universal Music Group of promoting “false and malicious narratives” about Drake through lyrics, single artwork and the content of music videos. unlike us.
He also claimed that the release and publicity of the recording resulted in “physical threats to Drake’s safety” as well as a “bombardment of online harassment” and therefore “concerns for the safety and security of himself, his family and his friends.”
According to the complaint filed today in New York court, “This lawsuit has nothing to do with the artist who created the work. Not like us. Rather, this is all about Universal Music Group, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit and profit from allegations that it believes are not only false but dangerous.
You can read the full document here.
Statement from Drake’s legal team Wilkie Farr & Gallagher LLP wrote: “Drake has filed a lawsuit against his record label Universal Music Group, holding Universal Music Group responsible for knowingly promoting false and defamatory claims against him.
“Beginning on May 4, 2024, and every day thereafter, UMG used its vast resources as the most powerful music company in the world to promote dangerous and inflammatory messages designed to assassinate Drake’s character, and resulted in actual violence on Drake’s doorstep.
“UMG wants the public to believe this is a fight between rappers, but this lawsuit is not against Kendrick Lamar. This lawsuit shines a light on the consequences of Universal Music Group putting profits before the safety and well-being of artists the human and commercial consequences, and exposes the manipulation of artists and the public for corporate gain.
The original petition, filed in November 2024 but withdrawn this week, which you can read in full here, claimed that UMG “launched a campaign to manipulate and saturate streaming services and radio with a song , unlike usin order to make the song go viral, including the use of ‘bots’ and pay-to-play deals.
The petition also claims that “UMG charges Spotify a license fee that is 30% lower than its usual license fee. unlike us In exchange, Spotify will definitely recommend the song to users who are searching for other, unrelated songs and artists.
It goes on to claim: “Both UMG and Spotify have disclosed that Spotify received no compensation of any kind in exchange for featuring the song.”
Last month, in response to Drake’s accusation that he was taking a 30% cut in rates in exchange for referrals, a Spotify spokesperson told MBW: “Spotify has no financial incentive for users to watch streaming content. unlike us Beyond anything Drake has ever done.
A UMG spokesperson said MBW November: “The suggestion that UMG will stop at nothing to undermine its artists is offensive and untrue. We use the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotions.
“No amount of contrived and ridiculous legal arguments in this pre-litigation filing can obscure the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.”
MBW has contacted UMG seeking response to the latest legal filings.
Drake and Lamar release their records through UMG and its Republic Records and Interscope respectively.
On May 4, Lamar recorded “Not Like Us” (Interscope) as part of an intense rap feud with Drake, as part of a series of three diss tracks, all released within days of each other (other tracks is Euphoria) and knows the Graham family).
The track ranked No. 1 on the Hot 100, marking Lamar’s fourth No. 1 finish in the country and his second No. 1 finish that year. like that go through future, subway booming & Kendrick Lamar, No. 1 in April. The track also marks the first track in the United States unlike us producer mustard.global music business
