Drake’s Legal Showdown: Defamation Lawsuit Against UMG, Spotify Drama Explained

Drake, a Canadian rapper, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that the corporation harmed his reputation by falsely accusing him of attempting to destroy Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us." This legal battle comes as Drake withdraws his petition against Spotify over identical issues, highlighting a larger business clash.

Withdrawal of Spotify Petition

In a separate but connected incident, Drake recently withdrew his legal petition against Spotify. The petition requested records regarding playlist placement procedures and whether the platform unfairly pushed Kendrick Lamar's songs over his. This withdrawal follows allegations that Spotify worked with both artists to resolve their issues privately. 

Drake's reps indicated that the withdrawal demonstrates a desire to resolve concerns directly with UMG rather than complicating matters with Spotify. However, the petition's quick termination raises concerns about whether Spotify's involvement in the disagreement was overblown.

The Defamation Lawsuit Against UMG

Drake's lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses UMG of spreading false information about his alleged interference with Lamar's track "Not Like Us." According to court documents, UMG officials alleged Drake purposefully delayed Lamar's album release by influencing Spotify's playlist placement standards in his favor. These accusations, Drake claims, are false and have harmed his reputation. 

UMG also came into the battle and stated their response in the court. In which they defined each and everything, Drake said in his lawsuit.   

UMG Response

In response, a UMG spokeswoman stated: "Not only are these charges false, but the idea that we would intend to undermine the reputation of any artist, let alone Drake, is absurd. We have made significant investments in his music, and our employees around the world have worked continually for many years to help him achieve unprecedented commercial and personal financial success.

Although the lawsuit focuses on Lamar's words, it plainly blames Universal for releasing, distributing, and promoting the song: 
"This lawsuit is not about the artist who created 'Not Like Us,'" according to the complaint. “It is, instead, entirely about UMG, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit, and monetize allegations that it understood were not only false, but dangerous.”

Kendrick Lamar’s Response to the Controversy

Kendrick Lamar has not responded directly to the charges surrounding Not Like Us. According to sources close to the artist, he is still focused on his creative activities and considers the dispute to be an industry issue rather than a personal conflict with Drake.
Lamar's album, which includes Not Like Us, continues to do well on streaming services, with no obvious influence from the issue.

Also Read:

• Drake VS. Kendrick Lamar: The Battle Over Streaming Numbers Gets Ugly
• Drake VS Kendrick Lamar: Legal Battle Intensifies Over "Not Like Us" Song
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