Drake, the renowned Canadian rapper, has been at the center of a legal battle that has drawn significant attention. Just a day after filing a petition accusing Universal Music (UMG) of conspiring with Spotify to boost Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," Drake has now taken a second action in Texas. This new petition claims that UMG was aware that the song "falsely" accused Drake of pedophilia but still chose to distribute it.

UMG's Alleged Actions

The petition also alleges that UMG "funneled payments" to iHeart, the largest radio network in the country, as part of a "pay-to-play scheme" to promote the song on radio. It states that UMG could have refused to release or distribute the song or required the offending material to be edited and removed. Instead, UMG designed, financed, and executed a plan to turn "Not Like Us" into a viral mega-hit, with the intent of using the spectacle of harm to Drake and his businesses to drive consumer hysteria and massive revenues. This plan, it seems, succeeded beyond UMG's wildest expectations. 1: The implications of UMG's alleged actions are far-reaching. By promoting a song that falsely accused Drake of such a serious offense, UMG not only put Drake's reputation at stake but also potentially violated ethical and legal standards. The "pay-to-play scheme" with iHeart raises questions about the integrity of the music industry and the influence of big labels. 2: This legal battle is not just about one song; it represents a larger conflict between artists and labels. Drake, as an independent artist with his own company (OVO), has likely felt the need to take a stand against what he perceives as unfair treatment. The fact that both Drake and Kendrick Lamar are now at a level where they own their masters gives them more control over their careers but also makes them more vulnerable in legal disputes.

The Nature of the Petitions

It's important to note that these petitions are not lawsuits. They are pre-action filings intended to take depositions from key figures at UMG and iHeart to obtain more information for a potential future lawsuit. Drake's attorneys claim to have enough evidence of defamation but are also considering allegations of civil fraud and racketeering. 1: The pre-action filings allow Drake's team to gather evidence and build a stronger case. By deposing key individuals at UMG and iHeart, they can uncover the truth behind the alleged conspiracy and pay-to-play scheme. This process is crucial in determining the validity of Drake's claims and the extent of UMG's involvement. 2: While the petitions stop short of actually alleging defamation, they do suggest that Drake's attorneys have amassed sufficient facts to pursue certain tortious claims against UMG. This indicates that there is a serious dispute between the two parties and that Drake is determined to seek justice.

The Response from UMG and Others

UMG did not immediately respond to Variety's requests for comment on this latest petition. However, in response to Monday's events, a rep for the company said: "The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear." 1: UMG's response is a defensive one, denying any wrongdoing and emphasizing their commitment to ethical practices. However, Drake's allegations raise serious questions about the company's actions and the integrity of the music industry. It will be interesting to see how this dispute unfolds and whether UMG can provide convincing evidence to refute Drake's claims. 2: In addition to UMG, reps for iHeart, Drake, and Lamar declined comment on Monday and did not immediately respond to requests for further comment on Tuesday. This lack of response only adds to the mystery and speculation surrounding the legal battle. It remains to be seen how these parties will navigate through the legal process and what the ultimate outcome will be.

The Context of the Feud

It should be noted that neither artist is signed directly to UMG. Both Drake (OVO) and Kendrick Lamar (pgLang) own their own masters and license their music to Universal labels for marketing and distribution. However, the legal action is based around the song "Not Like Us," which is at the center of a long-running feud between the two artists. 1: The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has been a topic of much discussion in the hip-hop community. Lamar's series of diss tracks against Drake, including accusations of having relationships with underaged women, have added fuel to the fire. Drake's response and subsequent silence only added to the tension. 2: The release of Lamar's new "GNX" album on Friday reignited the beef, and it seems that Drake may be trying to up the stakes by taking it to court. This move shows that both artists are willing to fight for their reputations and the integrity of their music. It remains to be seen how this court battle will affect their careers and the future of hip-hop.