Drake is escalating his legal fight against Universal Music Group (UMG) over allegations stemming from the diss track “Not Like Us.” After a court dismissed his initial defamation suit, the Canadian artist’s legal team has filed a civil appeal statement with the U.S. Court of Appeals. This move signals that Drake is not backing down from his claims.
The appeal statement, reported by AllHipHop, accuses UMG of “knowingly publishing and promoting… unambiguous and false factual allegations” of pedophilia in the song. Drake’s attorneys have also highlighted the track’s artwork, promotional strategies, and music video as part of their case. They plan to address these issues in greater detail during the appellate proceedings.
Claims of Malicious Intent and Financial Motivation
In the appeal, Drake’s legal team argues that UMG acted with “malicious intent” to demonstrate its value to fellow artist Kendrick Lamar through a short-term exclusive contract. They contend that UMG’s actions stand in stark contrast to the expiration of Drake’s contract with the label, which they assert occurred without any renegotiation. The filing suggests that UMG prioritized profit over the reputational damage inflicted on Drake by promoting the defamatory content.
Additionally, the appeal reportedly mentions serious concerns, including attacks on Drake’s home and threats to his loved ones. The filing indicates that Drake attempted to engage with UMG regarding the negative impact of the promotions but found that the label continued its support for “Not Like Us.”
Ongoing Tensions Between Drake and Kendrick Lamar
The legal dispute unfolds amid ongoing tensions between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Although Kendrick has not directly addressed the situation, he did reference it in a jab during the Super Bowl. Notably, both artists are nominated for Grammy Awards this year, with Drake competing against Kendrick for Best Melodic Rap Performance. Kendrick, on the other hand, has multiple nominations, including Best Rap Album and Record of the Year.
In a significant development, Drake reportedly parted ways with his long-time booking agent, Brent Smith, who also represents Kendrick. Sources have indicated to Billboard that the ongoing feud may have contributed to this professional split.
As the situation evolves, neither Kendrick Lamar nor UMG has publicly commented on the latest appeal. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for both artists, particularly in terms of their reputations and future collaborations within the music industry.
