Los Angeles, CA — Hip-hop superstar Drake has intensified his legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG), filing a motion demanding access to Kendrick Lamar’s recording contract details. The move is the latest twist in an ongoing dispute that has sent shockwaves through the music industry.
According to court documents filed this week, Drake’s legal team argues that Lamar’s contract terms are central to claims of “unfair and discriminatory treatment” by UMG. The rapper alleges that the label offered Lamar significantly more favorable financial and promotional terms, creating an uneven playing field for artists under the same corporate umbrella.
“Transparency is essential,” Drake’s attorneys wrote in the filing. “We believe the contractual terms extended to Mr. Lamar will demonstrate systemic preferential treatment that disadvantaged our client.”
The lawsuit, first filed in June, accuses UMG of breach of contract, bad faith negotiations, and failure to honor performance-based bonuses tied to Drake’s chart success. The demand for Kendrick Lamar’s deal marks a bold step, as artist contracts are typically kept under strict confidentiality.
Industry analysts say the case could set a precedent for disclosure practices in the music business. “If the court compels UMG to hand over Lamar’s contract, it could open the door for more artists to challenge labels on equity and transparency,” said entertainment attorney Sheila Grant.
Neither Kendrick Lamar nor his representatives have commented on the filing. UMG, in a statement last month, dismissed Drake’s allegations as “meritless” and vowed to “vigorously defend against all claims.”
The legal showdown comes amid rising tensions between major labels and top-tier artists over streaming revenue, creative control, and promotional commitments. With Drake and Kendrick Lamar being two of the biggest names in hip-hop, the case has drawn widespread attention from fans and industry insiders alike.
A hearing on the motion to disclose Lamar’s contract details is expected later this month.
