The Hotline Bling rapper sued UMG bosses for defamation in January for promoting Not Like Us, in which he is accused of being a paedophile.
In an amended complaint in April, Drake focused on events that had taken place since the initial filing, and claimed that UMG further damaged his reputation by allowing Lamar to perform Not Like Us at the Super Bowl and consenting to the song being played at the 2025 Grammys.
In their motion to dismiss on Wednesday, UMG lawyers called Drake's new allegations "astonishing" and pointed out that Lamar did not use the phrase "certified paedophile" during his Super Bowl performance.
"The focus of Drake's new claims - that 'the largest audience for a Super Bowl halftime show ever' did not hear Lamar call Drake or his crew pedophiles - betrays this case for what it is: Drake's attack on the commercial and creative success of the rap artist who defeated him, rather than the content of Lamar's lyrics," their motion reads, reports Variety.
In a statement to the publication, a UMG spokesperson argued that it was Drake who started the exchange of diss tracks with Lamar last year.
"Nowhere in the hundred-plus page 'legal' blather written by Drake's lawyers do they bother to acknowledge that Drake himself has written and performed massively successful songs containing equally provocative taunts against other artists," they stated. "Apparently, Drake's lawyers believe that when Drake willingly participates in a performative rap-battle of music and poetry, he can be 'defamed' even though he engages in the exact same form of creative expression."
Both musicians are signed to record labels owned by UMG.
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The multi-hyphenate entertainer has scored five new certifications, including a platinum plaque for “Issues/Hold On,” which has sold over one million equivalent units in the U.S. The Kanye West-produced track is lifted from her 2018 album, K.T.S.E., which has been crowned gold for selling over 500,000 equivalent units.
Taylor’s third LP, The Album, has also reached gold status, tallying her second project to become RIAA certified. The King Combs-assisted “How You Want It,” a single from The Album, has been certified platinum.
Last, but not least, Taylor’s “Do Not Disturb” featuring Chris Brown is now gold. The steamy jam appears on her 2014 debut album, VII.
Taylor took to social media to celebrate her new RIAA updates. “Father God I thank you and I praise you in the name of Jesus. Thank You for showing patience with me, your kindness, grace & mercy every day. Your mercies never cease,” she wrote in a caption for her photo of her with her new plaques.
She continued, “Father God, please continue to instruct and teach me as I continue my faith walk. Thank you for keeping my head high to keep my crown from falling. I love you. Thank you for reminding me the wait is not punishment, it was preparation. Thank you to everyone involved with helping me bring these albums and songs to life. I am filled with much gratitude! WE PLATINUM & GOLD YALL.”
In other news, Taylor just released her new single “Long Time.” It’s the first offering from her upcoming album Escape Room, which will be accompanied by a short film. Taylor directed and produced the visual under her production company, The Aunties. It co-stars LaKeith Stanfield and Aaron Pierre, who appear in the video for “Long Time” as well.
Further, Taylor joined Ciara on her “Ecstasy (Remix)” alongside Normani. “When Ci hit me about jumping on this remix, it was an automatic yes,” Taylor said. “To be a part of this moment with two queens I love so much! Not only do I get to call Ciara and Normani my friends I get to call them my sisters! That’s black girl magic. We bringing the sensual, the sisterhood, and the soul. Let’s go!”
Taylor stars in Tyler Perry’s new drama Straw, now streaming on Netflix, alongside Taraji P. Henson and Sherri Shepherd.
