2025-04-03T09:04:59.000Z

In a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between two of hip-hop's biggest names, Drake has been granted access to sensitive records related to Kendrick Lamar's music contracts. This decision is part of a defamation lawsuit that Drake filed against Lamar and his record label, Universal Music Group (UMG), concerning the controversial song "Not Like Us." In the song, Lamar makes incendiary claims about Drake, suggesting that he is a paedophile, which Drake vehemently denies. The implications of this case extend beyond personal reputations, touching on issues of artistic freedom and corporate responsibility in the music industry.

Drake's legal team has sought access to Kendrick Lamar's recording contract, as well as details about the salaries and bonuses awarded to senior executives at UMG. Drake contends that these documents are crucial for establishing a case against UMG for allowing the alleged defamatory content to be published and promoted. His lawsuit claims that Lamar's lyrics have spread a "false and malicious narrative" about him, which could have serious repercussions for his reputation and career.

In response to the case, UMG filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit last month, labeling it an "illogical" attempt by Drake to silence Lamar's artistic expression. The label also requested a halt to the process of evidence gathering, known as discovery, while the motion to dismiss was under consideration. However, on Wednesday, Judge Jeannette A Vargas ruled in favor of continuing the discovery process, allowing Drake's legal team to proceed with obtaining the documents they have requested.

Michael Gottlieb, Drake's lead attorney, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating to the BBC, "Now it's time to see what UMG was so desperately trying to hide." The documents being sought include all contracts between UMG and Kendrick Lamar, as well as the compensation and incentive plans for key executives within the organization, dating back to 2020. UMG, however, has objected to this request, arguing that gathering such "commercially sensitive" information would impose an "undue burden" on the company, especially since the case could still be dismissed.

A hearing regarding the motion to dismiss is set for June 30, where further arguments will be presented, potentially shaping the future of both the lawsuit and the relationship between the two artists.

This lawsuit is not just a legal matter; it represents the latest chapter in a long-standing rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, two titans of contemporary rap music. Their feud has been characterized by a series of back-and-forth diss tracks over the past few years. In one notable instance, Drake accused Lamar of domestic abuse, to which Lamar responded with "Not Like Us," branding Drake and his associates as "certified paedophiles" who ought to be placed on a neighborhood watch list.

Drake's court documents allege that UMG was aware that Lamar's lyrics were inaccurate yet chose to promote them for financial gain, exacerbating the controversy surrounding the song. Furthermore, the lawsuit includes serious allegations suggesting that UMG and Spotify may have colluded to artificially inflate the streaming numbers for "Not Like Us," a claim that both companies have denied. This case is poised to have significant ramifications for the artists involved and the broader implications for the music industry as it grapples with the intersection of art, accountability, and reputation.