In a motion moved on Monday, Universal Music Group asked the court to dismissed the suit filed against the label by Drake.

According to UMG, Kendrick Lamar‘s ‘Not Like Us’ song is a part of a long history of hip-hop diss culture which it also claimed Drake was attempting to write because he lost.

The lable also claimed Lamar’s comments in the song was protected under the First Amendment which guaranteed free speech.

According to Billboard, UMG lawyers argued that “The plaintiff, one of the most successful recording artists of all time, lost a rap battle that he provoked and in which he willingly participated. Instead of accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be, he has sued his own record label in a misguided attempt to salve his wounds.”

UMG pointed out Drake’s lyrics in the ‘Taylor Made Freestyle,’ where he used an AI-generated voice of late rapper 2Pac to demand a reply from Kendrick Lamar.

This, according to the label, was sufficient evidence that Drake filled and actively participated in the beef, and that he’s only insitituting a defamatory lawsuit because he lost.

According to TMZ, Drake’s attorney lead attorney Mike Gottlieb argued that UMG was attempting to hoodwink the public into thinking the issue was merely a rap beef rather than an attempt to hold the label responsible for profiting off dangerous misinformation.

“UMG wants to pretend that this is about a rap battle in order to distract its shareholders, artists and the public from a simple truth: a greedy company is finally being held responsible for profiting from dangerous misinformation that has already resulted in multiple acts of violence. This motion is a desperate ploy by UMG to avoid accountability, but we have every confidence that this case will proceed and continue to uncover UMG’s long history of endangering, abusing and taking advantage of its artists.”

The Story of Far

Drake’s beef with Kendrick Lamar has been regarded as one of the most iconic in hip-hop history.

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The aftermath of the rap battle has seen Drake emerge as the most injured with Lamsr’s hit song ‘Not Like Us’ inflicting the heaviest blow.

In the song, Kendrick Lamar called Drake a certified pedophile. A claim that has become the major crux of Drake’s lawsuit against UMG who distributed the song.

To add insult to injury, the song won Kendrick Lamar 5 awards at the 67th Grammys. The Compton rapper also performed the song at the 2025 Superbowl.

What next for Drake & UMG

Both Drake and UMG will be arguing their respective cases before the court.

While UMG seeks to dismiss the suit, Drake’s lawyers will be hoping to convince the court that his claims of injury resulting from the falsehood in Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ is sufficient reason to hear the case.

Drake will also be aiming to assert his claims that UMG used unethical means to artificially boost the song’s popularity to cause he further damages.

Despite losing the beef, Drake has retained his status as the foremost rapper globally as he topped the 2024 IFPI list as the best-selling hip-hop act.

Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Timini Egbuson’s cinematic debut, Reel Love has continued to dominate the Nigerian box office grossing over ₦300 million.

Nollywood has been taken by storm, and Reel Love is leading the charge! The romantic drama has officially grossed a staggering ₦303 million, holding the title of the highest-grossing Nollywood film for five consecutive weeks. 

In an Instagram post by the film distributor, FilmOne, the film is going strong.

“₦303M and still going strong! Reel Love is the highest-grossing Nollywood title for 5 weeks in a row! Thank you for the love and support! Still showing in cinemas—don’t miss out! Distributed by @filmoneng,” the post said.

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Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has responded to comments made by Apostle Lazarus, who criticised gospel artists for charging fees to perform at church events.

The pastor suggested that ministry should not be commercialised highlighting a time a singer charged 5 million to come and sing for his congregation. His statement sparked debate and reactions within the gospel and gospel music community.

I really wish every music minister in Nigeria & beyond could sit down & take time to listen to this

This is a most profound & timely message to them.

Thank you @FemiLazarus_ for this sir 🙏 pic.twitter.com/IPPsu1MWoH

— DON “Tobechukwu” Ade 👑 (@Row_Haastrup) March 14, 2025

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In a detailed post, Dakolo defended gospel musicians, highlighting the financial investment required to sustain their craft. He urged Christians to recognise that, beyond its spiritual significance, music is also a profession that demands compensation.

My dear Christains, a quote/comversation can sound intelligent and deep yet untrue. Just like everyone else. You deserve the very best things life has to offer. You should be paid what you deserve. Studio session, production and promotion cost a lot. You have a family to feed, you have rent to pay.

You have more songs to put out. We should stop all these attack on people’s work. As much as it is spiritual, music is an art. If you can’t pay people, Use your choir members and pay the amount you could have given the guest artist. I doubt the second part.

The singer also pointed out that churches spend substantial amounts on architecture, event promotions, and pastoral engagements, questioning why musicians are often expected to offer their services for free.

This gaslighting has to stop, Gospel ministers want good things too, they are not beggars, the best of architects are called upon to build big church, large sum money disbursed for promoting big programs and all. No one should diminish another persons ministry, Ministry needs music and music needs ministry.

It takes at least 10years and chains of hours to be an elite musician. Develop your Musicians and singers in your church and pay them well. Leave all these belittling alone None of these people saying these will fly economy and travel alone to save money for the ministry that invites to preach. All this was said in love.