Drake has escalated his legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) by submitting a massive witness list as part of his defamation lawsuit, which centers on Kendrick Lamar’s viral diss track, “Not Like Us.” The lawsuit alleges UMG played a key role in boosting the song’s reach through covert and unethical promotional tactics.

According to reports from Billboard, Drake’s legal team submitted its initial disclosure on June 2, though details only became public on July 14. The filing includes a witness list of 63 individuals, many of whom are current or former UMG employees. However, the list also features a number of high-profile industry figures.

SIR LUCIAN GRANGE MAJOR NAME LISTED

One significant name on Drake’s list is Sir Lucian Grainge, the CEO of Universal Music Group, whom Drake’s attorneys cite as a crucial source for information relating to “all causes of action” against the company. Also named are Dave Free, former president of Top Dawg Entertainment, and Anthony Saleh, Kendrick Lamar’s current manager. Notably, Kendrick Lamar himself is absent from Drake’s list.

Drake is also seeking information from major streaming and tech platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Music, Deezer, SoundCloud, Spotify, TIDAL, TikTok, Twitch, YouTube, and Instagram. The rapper’s legal team claims these platforms may possess details about UMG’s “promotion and licensing of the defamatory material” and alleged use of “covert tactics to promote the defamatory material.” Additionally, organizations such as the NFL, Fox, and Roc Nation are mentioned due to their involvement in the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, which is believed to be connected to the broader promotional strategy.

UMG LIST IS SHORT

They bout to sacrifice him the way they thought they were going to do Drake lmao

— 🍾Jones🦉 (@ChampagneTrippn) July 15, 2025

In contrast, UMG’s potential witness list is far shorter, containing just nine individuals. Both Drake and Kendrick Lamar appear on UMG’s list. According to the label’s legal filings, Lamar is expected to have crucial information about the creation, distribution, and promotion of “Not Like Us,” including its imagery and video.

The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the already heated feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, with the case now pulling in some of the most powerful figures and platforms in the music and tech industries.