Drake demands access to Kendrick Lamar's contract and UMG CEO files in 'Not Like Us' legal dispute
Drake’s legal team is pressing Universal Music Group (UMG) to hand over what they describe as crucial evidence in the ongoing lawsuit over the promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping diss track Not Like Us. The requested materials include Lamar’s record deal with Interscope Records and emails from UMG CEO Lucian Grainge concerning the song.
Drake’s lawyers push for Kendrick Lamar’s Interscope contract and UMG CEO Lucian Grainge’s emails in the escalating ‘Not Like Us’ legal battle.
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The lawsuit, filed by Drake — whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham — accuses UMG of orchestrating efforts to amplify the success of Not Like Us, released in 2024 under Interscope Records, a UMG subsidiary. The track, which labels Drake a “certified pedophile,” emerged from Lamar’s high-profile feud with the Canadian artist. Republic Records, Drake’s own label, also operates under UMG.
During the discovery stage of the case, each side must exchange relevant documents. Drake’s attorney, Michael Gottlieb, claims UMG has failed to provide much of the requested material. Among the contested documents is Lamar’s 22-page contract with Interscope, which Gottlieb says has been so heavily redacted that it is “virtually unreadable and incomprehensible.”
UMG has also declined to release Grainge’s emails and text messages, maintaining that the CEO had “no meaningful involvement” in the song’s release or promotion. Gottlieb disputes this, arguing that the refusal “is unsupported by law” and hinders Drake’s ability to prove his claims.
Court filings allege that Grainge played a role in and had knowledge of a scheme to defame and harass Drake, as well as in UMG’s alleged use of deceptive business tactics. Gottlieb contends that Grainge’s position as CEO gives him control over artists like Lamar and that he approved the song’s release and promotion. The filings also suggest UMG had an incentive to damage Drake’s reputation ahead of negotiations for a potential contract extension, citing Grainge’s known encouragement of competition among UMG labels.
Gottlieb further argues that if Grainge truly had no role in the matter, UMG would have little relevant material to produce, making the review process a minimal burden.
Additional evidence requested includes documents detailing Interscope’s profits, the valuation of Lamar’s music catalog, and the compensation of label CEO John Janick. Drake’s team also seeks records indicating whether UMG has previously censored or refused to promote defamatory content. One example cited is the suggestion that UMG-owned Def Jam may have removed offensive verses from Pusha T’s 2018 diss track targeting Drake, The Story of Adidon.
According to Gottlieb, such records could clarify UMG’s stance on censoring its artists and allow for comparisons with its handling of Not Like Us.
UMG has denied any wrongdoing, characterizing Drake’s lawsuit as an attempt to recover from losing his public feud with Lamar. The company maintains that its promotional activities were legitimate and that Drake is pursuing misguided litigation to “save face.”
Judge Jeannette A. Vargas of the New York federal court is reviewing UMG’s motion to have the lawsuit dismissed. A ruling is expected following a hearing held earlier this summer.
