Drake’s legal team is diligently pursuing access to emails and text messages allegedly sent by Lucian Grainge, the chief executive of Universal Music Group (UMG), regarding the controversial diss track “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar. This track has gained significant attention and is a part of Lamar’s 2024 release under Interscope Records, a label owned by UMG.

Attorneys representing the Canadian rap icon, Aubrey Drake Graham, are keen on making Grainge a pivotal witness in their ongoing lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that UMG orchestrated a strategy to enhance the visibility of “Not Like Us,” which takes a direct shot at Drake, labeling him a “certified pedophile.” It’s worth noting that both Interscope and Drake’s label, Republic Records, fall under the UMG umbrella, making this case particularly contentious.

The legal proceedings are currently in the discovery phase, a critical stage where both parties examine their documents and share necessary files. However, UMG has pushed back against these efforts, refusing to release Grainge’s emails and texts, claiming that their CEO had “no meaningful involvement” in the promotion or release of “Not Like Us.” This assertion raises questions about UMG’s transparency and its role in the ongoing dispute.

Drake’s legal representatives are now aiming to obtain a court order compelling UMG to disclose Grainge’s communications. In a motion filed on August 12, attorney Michael Gottlieb argues that UMG’s refusal is not legally justified and could severely hinder the plaintiff’s ability to substantiate his claims. He stresses that the amended complaint contains several allegations against Grainge, particularly regarding his involvement and knowledge of the alleged defamation and harassment against Drake.

According to Gottlieb, UMG’s efforts to protect Grainge from document discovery are not only unfair but also contradict fundamental principles of legal discovery processes, which are designed to ensure transparency and accountability.

Gottlieb emphasizes in the motion that Grainge wields considerable influence over artists such as Lamar and, as CEO, was responsible for approving the release and promotion of “Not Like Us.” He suggests that Grainge’s motivations for allegedly disparaging Drake may stem from a long-standing practice within UMG of fostering competition among its record labels, which could incentivize the company to undermine Drake’s brand value in preparation for impending contract negotiations.

Gottlieb further argues that if UMG’s assertion is accurate, claiming that Grainge had “no meaningful involvement” in the issues at hand, then it would imply that UMG would have minimal documentation to produce from Grainge’s files. This would suggest that the process of reviewing these documents would not impose a significant burden on the company, thus raising further questions about their reluctance to comply with the discovery requests.

As of now, a representative from UMG has not responded to requests for comments regarding this motion, leaving many questions unanswered about the company’s stance in this legal dispute.

UMG has consistently denied any allegations of defamation against Drake, asserting that their promotional strategies for “Not Like Us” were entirely appropriate and lawful. The company claims that Drake’s actions stem from embarrassment over his recent rap battle loss to Lamar, suggesting that he is attempting to “save face” through this misguided legal action.

Currently, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas is deliberating on UMG’s motion to dismiss the case in its entirety, determining whether the lawsuit holds any legal merit. Earlier this summer, the judge conducted a hearing, and her decision regarding the motion is anticipated to be announced imminently.