Court gives Drake access to Kendrick's contracts

Drake can now access sensitive documents in his defamation case. This case involves Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us."

Drake requested Kendrick's recording contract and details on executive salaries at Universal Music Group (UMG). He claims UMG defamed him by promoting Lamar's song. Drake argues the song spreads a "false and malicious narrative" that he is a paedophile.

Last month, UMG tried to dismiss the case. They called it an "illogical" attempt to silence Lamar's creativity. UMG also sought a pause in evidence gathering while their request was considered.

On Wednesday, Judge Jeannette A Vargas ordered that discovery should continue. Michael Gottlieb, Drake's lead lawyer, welcomed this decision. He stated it was time to uncover what UMG wanted to hide.

Drake’s team is looking for all contracts between UMG and Kendrick Lamar since 2020. They also want information on salaries and incentive plans for senior staff. UMG opposed this request, calling it costly and burdensome.

A hearing on the motion to dismiss is set for June 30. This lawsuit adds another chapter to Drake’s feud with Lamar. Last year, they clashed in several rap tracks.

In one track, Drake accused Lamar of domestic abuse. Lamar responded with "Not Like Us," calling Drake and his crew "certified paedophiles."

Drake claimed Universal knew Lamar's lyrics were false but continued promoting them for profit. The lawsuit also alleges collusion between Universal and Spotify to inflate streaming numbers for "Not Like Us."

Both companies denied these claims. UMG stated that harming any artist’s reputation is illogical, especially Drake’s. They noted that Drake has used UMG to distribute his music throughout his career.

UMG argued that Drake lost a rap battle he initiated and participated in willingly. They concluded that he seeks to use legal action to silence artistic expression.

"Not Like Us" has become Kendrick Lamar's biggest hit so far. In the UK, it reached number one after his Super Bowl Half Time Show performance in February.