Universal Music Group has filed a motion to dismiss Drake’s defamation lawsuit, arguing that Drake is trying to save face after losing a rap battle with Kendrick Lamar. The battle between Drake and Lamar involved a series of diss tracks, with many fans declaring Lamar the winner. Drake accused UMG of using payola to boost Lamar’s song on Spotify, but UMG denied the allegations.
Drake’s lawsuit against UMG claims that the record label defamed him by promoting Lamar’s diss track, but UMG argues that the claims are without merit and should be dismissed. UMG’s court filing stated that diss tracks, like the one between Drake and Lamar, are a popular art form centered around outrageous insults. The filing also mentioned that Drake had signed an open letter criticizing the treatment of rap lyrics as literal fact by prosecutors.
UMG’s filing argued that Drake provoked Lamar into continuing the rap battle and that his claims of defamation are unfounded. The record label stated that Drake’s lawsuit is a distraction and a desperate ploy to avoid accountability. Drake’s attorney, Mike Gottlieb, responded by saying that UMG is trying to avoid responsibility and that the case will continue to uncover UMG’s history of mistreating artists.
Overall, the legal dispute between Drake and UMG revolves around Drake’s defamation lawsuit, UMG’s motion to dismiss it, and the ongoing battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The outcome of the case will likely have implications for how diss tracks and feuds in the music industry are handled moving forward.
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