Drake Hit Back by UMG Again in Legal Fight Over 'Not Like Us'

Universal Music Group is once again facing off against Drake in the legal battle concerning Kendrick Lamar's track "Not Like Us."

UMG Requests Dismissal of Texas Pre-Action Petition

Lawyers representing UMG filed a 144-page motion on Thursday (Jan. 23) seeking the dismissal of Drake's pre-action petition lodged in Texas last November. This petition alleges defamation by the music giant and collusion with iHeartRadio in a payola scheme to artificially boost K-Dot's chart-topping diss track. UMG is urging the dismissal of the case under The Texas Citizens Participate Act, which safeguards individuals from retaliatory lawsuits aimed at stifling their freedom of speech.

UMG contends that Drake has not provided sufficient evidence to support his claims of defamation resulting from the distribution of "Not Like Us," a song that characterizes Aubrey as a child predator.

"The Petitioner [Drake] seeks to depose both iHeartMedia and UMG to explore the relationship between the two entities," the filing states. "However, the Petitioner fails to clarify why deposing iHeartMedia's corporate representative and UMG's corporate representative would be necessary to investigate any alleged agreement regarding “Not Like Us.” With no such explanation, the Petitioner has not demonstrated any probable benefit of pre-suit deposing of UMG, let alone shown that the benefits outweigh the burdens."

UMG has petitioned the judge for case dismissal and reimbursement of legal fees. The hearing is scheduled to take place in Bexar County Court on Jan. 28.

Read More: The Wildest Accusations in Drake's 81-Page Defamation Lawsuit Against UMG

Drake Brings Lawsuit Against UMG in Federal Court

Last November, Drake filed two similar pre-action petitions against UMG, the parent record label of both Drake and Kendrick Lamar. He lodged a petition in New York, which he has subsequently withdrawn, accusing UMG and Spotify of employing bots and pay-for-play tactics to elevate K-Dot's Drake diss. The Texas petition leveled similar accusations against UMG with the assistance of iHeartRadio, as well as alleging defamation.

On Jan. 15, Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against UMG in federal court over "Not Like Us." UMG responded to the lawsuit, telling XXL in part: "We have not and do not engage in defamation—against any individual. At the same time, we will vigorously defend this litigation to protect our people and our reputation, as well as any artist who might directly or indirectly become a frivolous litigation target for having done nothing more that write a song."

Some legal experts believe Drake will encounter challenges in proving his case in court.

Read More: Is Drake Trying to Prevent Kendrick Lamar From Performing "Not Like Us" at the Super Bowl?