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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The controversy surrounding National Youth Service Corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, has sparked reactions from prominent Nigerian figures. Raye faced threats from NYSC officials after she criticised the government, igniting discussions on free speech and citizens’ rights in a democracy.

Her posts and how her supervisors subsequently handled the situation have sparked nationwide outrage, with many weighing in on the oppression of human rights. National leaders and prominent figures have also spoken up in the wake of the issue.

🚨BREAKING NEWS

Raye is now being threatened by NYSC representatives for making this video criticizing the government.

Listen to her… pic.twitter.com/H85beBsqKD

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— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) March 15, 2025

Peter Obi

The former presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned the intimidation of Raye, shaming how she was met with intimidation rather than dialogue.

Taking to X, he wrote in part, “The National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, recently had an experience that highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.”

Reports indicate that she has faced threats from NYSC officials simply for expressing her concerns about the current administration. This pattern is not isolated. I, too, have been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments. I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies. Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy.

The National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, recently had an experience that highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.

Reports indicate that she has…

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) March 16, 2025

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ALSO READ: Sowore storms NYSC office with embattled corper who criticised Tinubu

Atiku Abubakar

Atiku praised Raye’s courage, likening her to historic female activists such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo.

Nigerian Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere. I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.

She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and countless other women who have stood resolute in defense of the common good. Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future. -AA

Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere.

I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.…

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) March 16, 2025

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Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour

The Labour Party chieftain described the situation as an attack on democracy and the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

Raye is all of us, and any attempt to oppress and silence her is a direct assault on citizens liberty. We run a constitutional democracy and not a monarchy where the people are subjects to a king. Hence, citizens have a moral and constitutional right to dissenting views and opinions. Our youths are in pain, suffering great deprivation because a corrupt and incompetent political class has stolen their future. But it doesn’t end with them inflicting pain and hardship, they still want to determine how you react to their oppression.

Raye is all of us, and any attempt to oppress and silence her is a direct assault on citizens liberty.

We run a constitutional democracy and not a monarchy where the people are subjects to a king. Hence, citizens have a moral and constitutional right to dissenting views and… https://t.co/BzS1xzrNnu

— Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (@GRVlagos) March 16, 2025

Omoyele Sowore

Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore confirmed that legal steps were being taken to support Raye.

The journey with youth Corper, Ushie Rita uguamaye, has commenced in Lagos. She is scheduled to appear before the LGI today and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys. @mrfestusogun, @yinka_oyesomi and @justiceojienoh pic.twitter.com/DtYwRVMcxz

— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) March 17, 2025

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The journey with youth Corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, has commenced in Lagos. She is scheduled to appear before the LGI today and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys.

Ben Murray Bruce

In contrast, former senator Ben Murray-Bruce had a different perspective, calling for an end to online criticisms of the government.

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Those of you on social media, stop criticising Nigeria, stop criticising leaders. We need a break, okay? Stop criticizing us, give us a break. Stop criticising our leaders.