Drake Prepares for Legal Showdown With UMG, Cites 63 Potential Witnesses

Drake’s lawyers have named 63 potential witnesses in the rapper’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG).

Legal action:

• The lawsuit stems from Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” with Drake accusing UMG of boosting its popularity to generate revenue.

Evidence collection:

• Drake’s legal team has listed 63 potential witnesses they believe hold evidence that could help his case.

• The individuals could be asked to hand over documents as part of the evidence discovery process – but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be called to testify once the trial begins.

• Among the execs listed are UMG CEO Sir Lucian Grainge, Universal Music Publishing Group chief Jody Gerson, Interscope CEO John Janick, Republic co-founders Avery Lipman and Monte Lipman, and Top Dawg Entertainment President Dave Free.

Who isn’t on the witness list?

• Kendrick Lamar.

• Drake hasn’t accused Lamar of defamation. As per Digital Music News, he is instead focusing on those he believes have details related to the “promotion and licensing of the defamatory material” and UMG’s “use of covert tactics to promote the defamatory material.”

• Lamar is, however, listed on UMG’s witness list, as is Drake.

Motion to dismiss:

• UMG has filed a motion to dismiss the case.

• The ruling is yet to be handed down.