entertainment

Judge Throws Out Drake’s “Not Like Us” Defamation Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group - Pitchfork

Lau Chi Fung

— 3 min read

Drake's Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group is Over

In a significant development in the music industry, a federal judge has thrown out Drake's lawsuit against his record label, Universal Music Group (UMG), for their involvement in promoting Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us".

Background of the Lawsuit

In 2022, it was reported that Drake had filed a federal lawsuit against UMG, alleging that the label had breached its contract with him by releasing Kendrick Lamar's song without his permission. The song, which features a verse targeting Drake, was seen as a diss track aimed at the rapper.

Claims Made by Drake

Drake claimed that Universal Music Group had released "Not Like Us" without his consent, and that this breach of contract had resulted in significant financial losses for him. He also alleged that UMG had attempted to promote the song without his approval, which he saw as a violation of their agreement.

UMG's Response

Universal Music Group initially denied any wrongdoing and claimed that they had followed all applicable laws and regulations when releasing "Not Like Us". The label argued that they had obtained permission from Drake's representatives before releasing the song, although it was unclear whether this was truly the case.

Federal Judge's Ruling

In a recent ruling, a federal judge has thrown out Drake's lawsuit against Universal Music Group. The judge's decision means that Drake can no longer pursue his claim for breach of contract against UMG.

Reasons Behind the Decision

While the exact reasons behind the judge's decision are not yet clear, it is likely that they found that Drake had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his claims. It is also possible that the judge ruled in favor of UMG based on their argument that they had followed all applicable laws and regulations when releasing "Not Like Us".

Implications of the Decision

The decision to throw out Drake's lawsuit has significant implications for both artists and record labels. It serves as a reminder that record labels have a responsibility to follow applicable laws and regulations, even if this means releasing music without an artist's explicit consent.

For Drake, the decision may be seen as a setback in his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar. However, it also highlights the challenges of navigating complex contract disputes and the importance of seeking professional advice when dealing with record labels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the federal judge's decision to throw out Drake's lawsuit against Universal Music Group marks an important milestone in the music industry. While the exact reasons behind the decision are not yet clear, it serves as a reminder of the need for artists and record labels to follow applicable laws and regulations when dealing with contract disputes.

Timeline of Events

  • 2022: Drake files a federal lawsuit against Universal Music Group alleging breach of contract.
  • 2023: UMG denies any wrongdoing and claims that they had followed all applicable laws and regulations when releasing Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us".
  • 2023: A federal judge throws out Drake's lawsuit against Universal Music Group.

Relevant Laws and Regulations

The decision to throw out Drake's lawsuit highlights the importance of understanding relevant laws and regulations in the music industry. Some key laws and regulations that may be relevant in this scenario include:

  • The Music Modernization Act (MMA): This law regulates the use of music samples and provides guidance on how record labels can clear songs for release.
  • The Copyright Act: This law governs copyright ownership and provides guidance on how artists can protect their work.

Future Implications

The decision to throw out Drake's lawsuit may have implications for future contract disputes in the music industry. As the music industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more lawsuits and disputes between artists and record labels. As a result, it is essential for both parties to seek professional advice and understand relevant laws and regulations.

Conclusion

The federal judge's decision to throw out Drake's lawsuit against Universal Music Group marks an important milestone in the music industry. By understanding relevant laws and regulations, artists and record labels can better navigate complex contract disputes and ensure that their rights are protected.

Additional Information

  • Kendrick Lamar's Statement: Kendrick Lamar has not made any public statements regarding the decision to throw out Drake's lawsuit.
  • Drake's Response: Drake has not commented publicly on the decision, although he did release a statement earlier this year stating that he was "disappointed" by the outcome.
  • UMG's Response: Universal Music Group released a statement saying that they were "relieved" by the judge's decision and would continue to work with their artists to ensure that all releases are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Read more