The ongoing legal battle between Drake and Universal Music Group (UMG) has taken a new turn, as the label has filed a motion to dismiss the rapper’s defamation lawsuit regarding Kendrick Lamar’s hit diss track, “Not Like Us.”
UMG argues that Drake’s accusations of manipulation and artificial boosting of the song’s success lack merit and should not be considered defamatory. The label also points to diss tracks’ historical, artistic, and cultural significance, stating that the genre inherently involves hyperbole, opinion, and exaggerated insults, making Drake’s claims legally weak.
While Drake’s fans have resisted UMG’s argument, questioning the ethics of industry influence, the label’s supporters point to inconsistencies in the lawsuit. Now, it’s up to the courts to decide whether the case will proceed or be dismissed.
In a key development, Drake recently dropped his claims against iHeartMedia, which he previously accused of participating in unlawful payola practices to boost airplay for “Not Like Us.” According to Rolling Stone, iHeart provided documents proving it had done nothing wrong, leading to a mutual resolution between both parties.
Despite this, Drake’s legal fight isn’t over. He still has pending petitions in New York and Texas seeking additional evidence to support his case. As the battle unfolds, fans on both sides eagerly await the court’s subsequent decision and whether Drake will get his day in court against UMG.