Universal Music has filed a motion to dismiss Drake’s petition for pre-suit deposition in Bexar County, Texas, citing lack of evidence in the rapper’s claims against the record company that it artificially inflated and promoted Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.

Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist — let alone Drake — is illogical."

Drake’s legal dispute with Universal Music Group (UMG) continues to intensify. In a 144-page document submitted to Bexar County, Texas, on Thursday (Jan. 23), the music giant asked a court to dismiss the pre-action petition the rapper filed against them in November 2024.

The superstar rapper claims in a lawsuit that the record company he and Kendrick Lamar are both signed with have put his life and reputation at risk.

Today we’re checking in on the state of the music world, pegged to two developments. The first: Drake sued Universal Music Group NV on Wednesday over alleged defamation stemming from Kendrick Lamar’s song Not Like Us. The suit contains some revealing details both about how the major label record system operates openly and behind the scenes.

The lawsuit accuses the record label of promoting the “false and malicious narrative” that Drake is a pedophile, which the rapper denies, by releasing "Not Like Us."

UMG’s motion to dismiss argues that Drake’s lack of direct evidence towards his “Not Like Us” defamation and payola claims warrant a dismissal of the petition. “Because [Drake’s] petition is related to and was filed in response to UMG’s protected free speech,

Universal Music Group is again clapping back at Drake in the legal fight over Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us.” UMG Files Motion to Dismiss Texas Pre-Action Petition On Thursday (Jan. 23), lawyers for UMG filed a 144-page motion requesting the dismissal of Drake’s pre-action petition filed in Texas last November,

Universal Music Group is looking to have Drake’s pre-action petition in Texas dismissed. On Thursday (Jan. 23), the record company submitted a 144-page motion to throw out the case, which they claim was filed in the wrong state in the first place.