Drake Lucian Grainge Court Documents at Center of Legal Push

Drake is escalating his legal fight by demanding that Universal Music Group (UMG) hand over records that could reveal CEO Sir Lucian Grainge’s involvement in the release of Kendrick Lamar’s hit “Not Like Us.” The rapper alleges that the track’s controversial “pedophile” lyric damaged his reputation and believes Grainge may have approved the release knowing it could harm his brand.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, Drake’s legal team filed a letter motion urging a judge to compel UMG to produce all evidence related to Grainge’s role. This includes internal communications, emails, and approval records regarding the song’s release. His attorneys argue that Grainge’s position as the top decision-maker makes him central to understanding how the song was cleared.

Since its debut, “Not Like Us” has become one of Kendrick Lamar’s most successful singles. It earned multiple Grammy Awards, broke streaming records, and was featured prominently during the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show earlier this year. Drake claims that UMG’s leadership, and specifically Grainge, may have prioritized the song’s commercial potential over the reputational harm it could cause.

Grainge is widely regarded as one of the most powerful executives in the global music industry. Drake’s filing points out that any decision of this magnitude would likely have crossed his desk. The rapper’s legal strategy hinges on proving that top executives knowingly approved material they understood could spark controversy.

The motion is the latest chapter in the long-running feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, which has played out in chart battles, social media exchanges, and now, the courtroom. If the judge grants the request, UMG may have to release documents that shed light on how “Not Like Us” was greenlit, potentially revealing behind-the-scenes deliberations that fueled one of hip-hop’s most heated rivalries.