The ongoing feud escalates as both artists and their labels exchange stark accusations over artistic expression.
**Drake Granted Access to Kendrick's Records Amid Controversy**
**Drake Granted Access to Kendrick's Records Amid Controversy**
Amid a heated legal dispute, Drake is allowed to examine Kendrick Lamar's contracts as part of his defamation lawsuit.
Drake has been given permission by a judge to access sensitive documents related to Kendrick Lamar's recording contracts in his defamation lawsuit concerning Lamar's song "Not Like Us." The Canadian rapper claims that Universal Music Group (UMG) and Lamar have falsely depicted him as a "paedophile" through lyrics, and he is seeking records including Lamar's contracts and executive salary information to strengthen his case.
The lawsuit has ignited tensions, as UMG previously sought to dismiss the case, asserting that it was an attempt to stifle Lamar's artistic freedoms. Despite UMG's objections to the discovery process, Judge Jeannette A Vargas has ruled that evidence collection must proceed. Drake's lead attorney, Michael Gottlieb, voiced satisfaction with the ruling, indicating a desire to uncover UMG's motives behind their initial resistance.
In court documents, Drake's team outlined requests for all contracts between UMG and Lamar dating back to 2020, as well as executive compensation details. UMG characterized the information gathering as "costly and time-consuming" and insisted that continued pursuit of the lawsuit was an undue burden. A hearing to consider the dismissal motion is slated for June 30.
The tracks exchanged by Drake and Lamar highlight their longstanding rivalry, which reignited recently when Lamar released "Not Like Us" during a Super Bowl performance, wherein he labeled Drake's crew as individuals who should be monitored for criminal behavior. Drake alleges that UMG knowingly perpetuated false narratives for profit and colluded with Spotify to manipulate streaming data for "Not Like Us," allegations both entities reject.
UMG refuted Drake's claims, asserting its commitment to all artists, including Drake, and emphasized that he had willingly engaged in rap battles that included provocative insults. Their statement concluded that the current lawsuit represents an attempt by Drake to misuse legal avenues to restrict artistic expression while seeking damages based on these claims. "Not Like Us," following its acclaim, marked a significant milestone for Lamar, becoming his first number one single in the UK shortly after his notable Super Bowl performance.
The lawsuit has ignited tensions, as UMG previously sought to dismiss the case, asserting that it was an attempt to stifle Lamar's artistic freedoms. Despite UMG's objections to the discovery process, Judge Jeannette A Vargas has ruled that evidence collection must proceed. Drake's lead attorney, Michael Gottlieb, voiced satisfaction with the ruling, indicating a desire to uncover UMG's motives behind their initial resistance.
In court documents, Drake's team outlined requests for all contracts between UMG and Lamar dating back to 2020, as well as executive compensation details. UMG characterized the information gathering as "costly and time-consuming" and insisted that continued pursuit of the lawsuit was an undue burden. A hearing to consider the dismissal motion is slated for June 30.
The tracks exchanged by Drake and Lamar highlight their longstanding rivalry, which reignited recently when Lamar released "Not Like Us" during a Super Bowl performance, wherein he labeled Drake's crew as individuals who should be monitored for criminal behavior. Drake alleges that UMG knowingly perpetuated false narratives for profit and colluded with Spotify to manipulate streaming data for "Not Like Us," allegations both entities reject.
UMG refuted Drake's claims, asserting its commitment to all artists, including Drake, and emphasized that he had willingly engaged in rap battles that included provocative insults. Their statement concluded that the current lawsuit represents an attempt by Drake to misuse legal avenues to restrict artistic expression while seeking damages based on these claims. "Not Like Us," following its acclaim, marked a significant milestone for Lamar, becoming his first number one single in the UK shortly after his notable Super Bowl performance.
