Justice authorizes access to record label contracts in defamation involving the not like US track
The Canadian rapper Drake obtained a victory in US courts in the process that moves against the Universal Music Group (UMG) and the musician Kendrick Lamar. The judge Jeanette Vargasfrom New York, authorized the artist’s legal team to access label documents and contracts as part of the defamation action phase, including the terms related to the track “Not like US “released by Kendrick in 2024.
The song, which yielded five Grammy awards and was played during the Super Bowl, includes excerpts in which Drake is called Pedophile and accused of mistreating the former tennis player Serena Williams. The Canadian claims that these statements are false and offensive, characterizing defamation. According to the process, the label “Approved, published and launched a campaign to create a viral hit from a rap range with the intention of transmitting the specific, unmistakable and false factual allegation.”
Drake’s lawyer, Michael Gottliebtalked about the decision:
“Now it’s time to see what UMG (Universal Music Group) I was trying to hide so desperately. ”
Drake started the lawsuit in January this year, and claimed that Universal promoted the range in a deliberate way, including the support of Spotify to artificially increase streaming numbers. The label countered by saying that the artist is “suing for losing a rap battle” and called for the cancellation of the action.
“Instead of accepting defeat as the carefree artist he usually says, he sued his own label in a mistaken attempt to heal his wounds,” says UMG’s text.
“The author’s complaint is totally without merit and must be rejected with prejudice.”
With this week’s decision, the rapper team may request All contracts signed between Lamar and the labelin addition to documents on remuneration, bonuses and incentive plans of INTERSCOPE executives, seal linked to UMG. The hearing on the annulment request is scheduled for June 30.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
