Drake’s legal team is intensifying their efforts in his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), filing a new motion to compel the production of crucial documents. The latest filings target UMG CEO Lucian Grainge, rapper Kendrick Lamar, and Pusha T, seeking a wide range of information that could potentially bolster Drake’s case, particularly concerning Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”
Seeking Damaging Information on Lamar and UMG
According to documents obtained by MusicBusinessWorldwide, Drake’s lawyers are urging the court to compel UMG and its CEO, Lucian Grainge, to provide unredacted documents. Specifically, they are requesting Kendrick Lamar’s contract with UMG, along with any documents or communications related to allegations of domestic violence, violence against women, or other crimes allegedly committed by Lamar. They also seek information regarding Lamar’s relationship with Dave Free and his children.
Drake’s legal team argues that UMG’s extensive redactions on Lamar’s contract render it “unreadable and incomprehensible,” calling the redactions “plainly improper.” They contend that UMG’s previous refusal to allow responsiveness redactions sets a precedent, making their current stance problematic. UMG, however, maintains that they have produced the agreed-upon portions of contracts and that Drake has not articulated a clear basis for needing the unredacted contract or how the redacted content is relevant to the case.
Documents Related to Pusha T’s ‘Adidon’ Diss Also Requested
In addition to the requests concerning Kendrick Lamar, Drake’s legal team is also seeking documents related to Pusha T’s 2018 diss track, “The Story of Adidon.” They want to determine if UMG censored any lyrics from that song that might have been defamatory. The motion asks for all documents and communications from January 2018 to May 2018 concerning any instructions, suggestions, or decisions to censor, modify, or refrain from licensing/promoting Pusha T’s musical works based on their content.
Furthermore, Drake’s lawyers allege that UMG CEO Sir Lucian Grainge was “personally involved” in the marketing and promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” They believe Grainge was aware of Drake’s denials and the harm caused by the allegations, and that his personal involvement justifies designating him as a document custodian. UMG opposes this designation.
What are your thoughts on Drake’s legal team’s extensive document requests? Do you think UMG should produce the unredacted contracts and other sensitive information? Share your opinions in the comments below!