Lucian Grainge Denies Drake’s Claims of Interference in Rap Battle with Kendrick Lamar
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Universal Music Group (UMG) CEO Lucian Grainge has forcefully refuted allegations made by rapper Drake that the company orchestrated a scheme to undermine his public image through the promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s music. The dispute stems from Drake’s ongoing defamation lawsuit against UMG, and Grainge’s response, filed Thursday with the Southern District of New York, signals a growing frustration with the legal battle.
Drake Alleges UMG Conspiracy
Earlier this week, Drake’s legal team sought to expand the scope of discovery in the defamation suit, requesting documents related to UMG’s relationship with Lamar, as well as any information pertaining to allegations of criminal activity involving the Compton rapper. The core of Drake’s argument centers on the claim that UMG intentionally favored Lamar to damage Drake’s brand following a series of highly publicized rap “battles” between the two artists. Specifically, Drake’s team requested UMG turn over the label’s contract with Lamar, alongside details of alleged misconduct.
Grainge Calls Claims “Farcical” and Highlights UMG’s Investment in Drake
In a strongly worded declaration, Grainge dismissed Drake’s assertions as “farcical,” “nonsensical,” and “groundless and indeed ridiculous.” He emphasized UMG’s substantial financial commitment to Drake’s career, stating the company has invested “hundreds of millions” of dollars in the Canadian rapper. This investment includes the acquisition of the majority of Drake’s recording catalog and music publishing rights, as well as ongoing financial support for his recording endeavors.
Grainge further clarified that he had no involvement in the release or promotion of Lamar’s track, “Not Like Us,” which became a central point of contention in the dispute. He underscored that UMG was not attempting to “devalue” Drake, despite the rapper’s claims. It’s important to note that Lamar (Interscope Records) and Drake (Republic Records) are represented by separate divisions within UMG.
CEO Focuses on Global Strategy, Not Individual Tracks
Grainge’s declaration detailed the scope of his role as CEO of a “publicly traded, multi-billion dollar, multi-national corporation” operating in over sixty countries. He asserted that his responsibilities lie in “global strategy,” not in the granular details of individual song releases. “It makes no sense whatsoever” that he would be involved in the promotion of any specific track, he stated, adding that the suggestion he was “in the weeds” on “Not Like Us” was “farcical.”
He also acknowledged a pattern of litigation tactics employed by UMG’s opponents, suggesting Drake’s discovery requests were a deliberate attempt to “waste my and UMG’s time and resources” – potentially to gain media attention or secure financial concessions.
UMG Lawyers Denounce “Harassment”
Reinforcing Grainge’s position, UMG’s legal team submitted a separate letter to the Southern District of New York on Thursday, characterizing Drake’s motion as a “transparent attempt to use discovery to harass UMG and force it to waste time and resources out of spite.” The letter argued that the premise of Drake’s claim – that he lost a rap battle due to a UMG conspiracy – is “absurd.”
“Sir Lucian is the CEO of a multinational enterprise; his days are spent determining and implementing global strategy, not vetting individual tracks or album covers or driving the release and promotional plans for any one recording,” the lawyers wrote. They further argued that any relevant documents would already be in the possession of UMG’s teams directly responsible for releasing and promoting “Not Like Us.”
Grainge concluded his declaration by reiterating that he had not even heard “Not Like Us” until after its release by Interscope Records, solidifying his denial of any involvement in the track’s promotion or its impact on the public perception of Drake. The legal battle continues, but Grainge’s firm response signals UMG’s determination to defend itself against what it views as baseless accusations.
