Universal Music Group is challenging fresh allegations from Drake’s legal team, rejecting claims that its British chairman and chief executive, Lucian Graingeplayed any role in a supposed effort to damage the Toronto rapper’s reputation.
The dispute centers on Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 hit “Not Like Us,” a blistering diss track that debuted at No. 1 and leveled pointed accusations at Drake. One lyric — “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young … Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles” — was paired with cover art showing his Toronto residence marked with symbols used for registered sex offenders.
Drake has repeatedly denied the allegation and, in January, filed suit against UMG, which owns his Republic Records label. His complaint described the song’s release as part of a coordinated campaign to cast him as a criminal and provoke public outrage.
UMG dismissed the lawsuit as “utterly without merit.” Drake’s most recent motion argued that Mr. Grainge personally influenced decisions on the track’s marketing and rollout, and sought to compel the label to produce his communications regarding its release.
In a court filing, UMG’s lawyers urged the judge to deny the request, calling it a “transparent attempt” to harass the company. Mr. Grainge testified that he had no knowledge of the track before it was issued.
Rollin A. Ransom, counsel for UMG, described the suggestion that a corporate conspiracy was behind Drake’s unfavorable showing in a rap feud as “absurd,” noting that Mr. Grainge focuses on global strategy rather than overseeing individual songs or artwork.
The company also argued that Drake had earlier agreed not to pursue Mr. Grainge’s records and that any pertinent information would be available through other UMG employees connected to the release.
UMG is seeking to have the case dismissed entirely, asserting that diss tracks have long relied on hyperbolic language as part of hip-hop’s competitive tradition. In a March filing, the label contended that Drake voluntarily engaged in the lyrical battle with Mr. Lamar and lost, warning that his lawsuit risks undermining a cornerstone of rap culture.
Representatives for Drake did not respond to requests for comment on the latest development.