The ongoing feud takes a pivotal turn as a judge rules in favor of Drake, allowing him to unearth key financial data relating to Kendrick Lamar's contracts with Universal Music Group.
**Drake Granted Access to Kendrick Lamar’s Record Deals Amid Defamation Battle**
**Drake Granted Access to Kendrick Lamar’s Record Deals Amid Defamation Battle**
In a legal clash, Drake secures compelling documents from UMG as he contests Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us."
Drake has received court approval to obtain sensitive documents from Universal Music Group (UMG) as part of his defamation lawsuit concerning Kendrick Lamar's controversial track, "Not Like Us." He requested access to Kendrick's recording contracts and financial details about UMG executives, arguing that the song propagated falsehoods about him being a paedophile.
Previously, UMG sought to dismiss Drake's claims, labeling the lawsuit "illogical" and suggesting it was an attempt to inhibit Lamar's artistic expression. In a recent ruling, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas mandated that the discovery phase continue, dismissing UMG's motion to pause the evidence collection.
Drake's attorney, Michael Gottlieb, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating, "Now it's time to see what UMG was so desperately trying to hide." Court documents reveal that Drake's team aims to access all records regarding contracts between UMG and Lamar since 2020, alongside compensation structures for UMG's top executives. UMG had previously labeled this request as an "undue burden" due to the sensitive nature of the information.
The lawsuit punctuates an intense rivalry between Drake and Lamar, having previously exchanged barbs through their music. The conflict escalated when Lamar's track portrayed Drake and his affiliates as "certified paedophiles." In filings, Drake accused UMG of pursuing profits despite knowing the harmful nature of Lamar's lyrics.
UMG, which has partnered with Drake for over a decade, denied any intentions to damage his reputation. They criticized Drake's efforts to manipulate the legal system to silence Lamar and stated that he willingly engaged in provocative rap battles throughout his career.
"Not Like Us" marks a significant achievement for Kendrick, becoming a chart-topping hit in the UK, particularly after his electrifying Super Bowl performance in February, which propelled its popularity. As both artists navigate this legal minefield, the outcome may have lasting impacts on their careers and the music industry at large.
Previously, UMG sought to dismiss Drake's claims, labeling the lawsuit "illogical" and suggesting it was an attempt to inhibit Lamar's artistic expression. In a recent ruling, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas mandated that the discovery phase continue, dismissing UMG's motion to pause the evidence collection.
Drake's attorney, Michael Gottlieb, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating, "Now it's time to see what UMG was so desperately trying to hide." Court documents reveal that Drake's team aims to access all records regarding contracts between UMG and Lamar since 2020, alongside compensation structures for UMG's top executives. UMG had previously labeled this request as an "undue burden" due to the sensitive nature of the information.
The lawsuit punctuates an intense rivalry between Drake and Lamar, having previously exchanged barbs through their music. The conflict escalated when Lamar's track portrayed Drake and his affiliates as "certified paedophiles." In filings, Drake accused UMG of pursuing profits despite knowing the harmful nature of Lamar's lyrics.
UMG, which has partnered with Drake for over a decade, denied any intentions to damage his reputation. They criticized Drake's efforts to manipulate the legal system to silence Lamar and stated that he willingly engaged in provocative rap battles throughout his career.
"Not Like Us" marks a significant achievement for Kendrick, becoming a chart-topping hit in the UK, particularly after his electrifying Super Bowl performance in February, which propelled its popularity. As both artists navigate this legal minefield, the outcome may have lasting impacts on their careers and the music industry at large.
