Drake vs. UMG — legal reply due
Drake and Universal Music Group remain embroiled in a defamation/label dispute, with Drake’s reply brief due April 17 — the case is reshaping industry conversations about label‑artist relations. (rollingstone.com)
The appeal is docketed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit as Graham v. UMG Recordings, Inc., No. 25‑2758. (dockets.justia.com) Drake filed his opening appellate brief on January 21, 2026, a document Rolling Stone reports as roughly 60 pages that argues Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics convey an “unambiguous” factual allegation that Drake is a “certified pedophile” and accuses UMG of “relentlessly” marketing the song. (rollingstone.com) A federal judge in Manhattan, Jeannette A. Vargas, dismissed Drake’s original defamation complaint on October 9, 2025, ruling that the lyrics at issue are nonactionable opinion in the context of a heated rap battle. (hollywoodreporter.com) Universal Music Group answered in the Second Circuit with an 83‑page brief filed in late March that calls Drake’s appeal “astoundingly hypocritical,” contending the lyrics are protected hyperbole and non‑actionable opinion. (rollingstone.com) The parties negotiated an expedited calendar pause over the holidays that set UMG’s response due March 27, 2026, with Drake allotted a 21‑day reply slot thereafter (scheduled for April 17 if the schedule stands). (yahoo.com) If the Second Circuit reinstates any of Drake’s claims the matter would return to the district court for further proceedings; if the court affirms the dismissal the lower‑court ruling will stand and no trial on the merits will follow. (musicbusinessworldwide.com)
