In a bold twist to an already heated legal drama, Universal Music Group (UMG), Drake’s own label, has clapped back hard against the superstar rapper’s defamation lawsuit, dismissing his claims as nothing more than sour grapes after losing a rap battle against Kendrick Lamar.
According to Billboard, UMG’s legal team recently filed a fiery motion to dismiss, openly accusing Drake of using the lawsuit as a desperate measure to recover from a battle he initiated but couldn’t win. In their statement, they didn’t hold back:
“Plaintiff, one of the most successful recording artists of all time, lost a rap battle that he provoked and in which he willingly participated. Instead of accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be, he has sued his own record label in a misguided attempt to salve his wounds.”
Drake originally sued UMG over the release of the diss track, “Not Like Us,” claiming the label deliberately approved lyrics implying serious criminal allegations against him. However, UMG counters that Drake himself resorted to equally harsh and provocative allegations during his feud with Kendrick Lamar, even referencing domestic abuse and paternity claims.
UMG’s filing further argues that diss tracks represent a protected art form under the First Amendment, calling Drake out on previously advocating for protection against using rap lyrics as courtroom evidence. They reminded everyone:
“As Drake recognized, when it comes to rap, ‘the final work is a product of the artist’s vision and imagination.’ Drake was right then and is wrong now.”
Why It Matters:
This explosive legal battle spotlights the blurred lines between artistic expression, free speech, and accountability in hip-hop culture. The outcome could set a major precedent for how diss tracks and lyrical content are treated legally and culturally moving forward.
Stay tuned to KMOB1003 as we continue to monitor this groundbreaking story.
KMOB1003 listeners: Who’s right in this battle—Drake or Universal? Drop your thoughts!
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