Drake requests a court order for UMG to release unredacted financial, censorship, and contractual records, including a Lamar agreement, to support his defamation claims. Billboard’s Rachel Scharf broke the news on Tuesday afternoon (August 12).
The rap star’s attorney, Michael J. Gottlieb, filed a 76-page Motion to Compel Lucian Grainge’s Custodial Documents with the Supreme Court on Tuesday (August 12). Drake argues UMG’s heavy redactions of the Lamar contract violate the protective order and improperly withhold relevant contractual context.
Drake’s lawyer Michael Gottlieb claimed UMG has withheld critical evidence, including an unredacted version of Kendrick Lamar’s Interscope Records contract. The 22-page agreement provided by UMG was “virtually unreadable and incomprehensible” due to heavy redactions, Gottlieb argued, calling the lack of disclosure a direct obstacle to proving the rapper’s claims.
The dispute also centers on access to emails and text messages from UMG chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge. UMG maintains Grainge had “no meaningful involvement” in the release or promotion of Lamar’s chart-topping diss track “Not Like Us.” Gottlieb disputes that assertion, alleging Grainge played a central role in a coordinated campaign to defame Drake while deploying “deceptive business tactics.”
According to the filing, Grainge’s influence over UMG labels gave him the authority to greenlight “Not Like Us.” Gottlieb claims the executive has historically encouraged rivalry between UMG divisions, creating an incentive to damage Drake’s brand ahead of contract negotiations. If Grainge truly had no involvement, Gottlieb argued, reviewing his communications should be a “minimal burden” for the company.
Drake’s team is also seeking records on Interscope’s profits, the valuation of Lamar’s catalog, and the compensation of Interscope CEO John Janick. Additional requests include UMG’s past handling of potentially defamatory music, citing allegations that Def Jam altered Pusha T’s 2018 track “The Story of Adidon” to remove offensive content.
UMG declined comment but has denied any wrongdoing, framing the lawsuit as an attempt by Drake to “save face” after losing a high-profile rap feud.
Judge Jeannette A. Vargas is considering UMG’s motion to dismiss the case. A ruling could come at any time.
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