The tension between Drake and Kendrick Lamar continues to spill beyond diss tracks and into legal proceedings, as the latest updates from their ongoing dispute with Universal Music Group (UMG) reveal some surprising potential courtroom drama.

According to newly surfaced legal documents obtained by XXL Magazine on July 18th, UMG is reportedly prepared to subpoena both Drake and Kendrick Lamar to testify in connection with Drake’s lawsuit surrounding Kendrick’s chart-topping diss track, “Not Like Us.” This legal battle is heating up behind the scenes, with both sides preparing for an intense fight.

Details of Drake’s Lawsuit Against UMG

Drake initiated legal action against UMG over claims of defamation, unfair business practices, and breach of contract tied to the release and promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” The Toronto superstar alleges that UMG knowingly supported the track’s distribution despite its potentially defamatory nature during their very public feud earlier this year.

Court filings show Drake’s legal team assembled a witness list of 63 individuals and organizations, ranging from UMG CEO Lucian Grainge to executives from Spotify, TikTok, the NFL, and other major industry players. These witnesses are expected to shed light on how “Not Like Us” was promoted and whether there was any coordinated effort to damage Drake’s reputation through its release.

UMG’s Countermove: Kendrick & His Camp on the List

UMG’s witness list is significantly shorter — just nine names — but it includes Kendrick Lamar, his longtime manager Anthony Saleh, and Drake himself. While Kendrick Lamar is not a defendant in this specific lawsuit, his potential testimony could carry significant weight if UMG proceeds with subpoenas.

This strategic move hints at UMG’s intent to force both superstar rappers into court to directly address the circumstances surrounding the song’s release, marketing, and alleged impact.

Private Investigators & New Allegations

In a surprising twist, Drake’s legal team has also alleged that Kojo Menne Asamoah — an individual linked to alleged “covert tactics” in promoting the diss record — has been evading service. Drake reportedly hired private investigators in an attempt to locate and serve Asamoah, who is accused of playing a behind-the-scenes role in amplifying the supposed defamation.

These developments add another layer of intrigue to an already dramatic standoff. Beyond claims of defamation, Drake’s suit also alleges UMG engaged in performance manipulation tactics to boost “Not Like Us” artificially.

Kendrick & Drake Still Winning in Music

Despite the courtroom chaos, both artists remain at the forefront of the culture. Kendrick Lamar continues to celebrate career milestones in the wake of his now-iconic diss track, while Drake maintains his dominance with new music releases and headline performances.

What’s Next?

With subpoenas potentially looming for two of hip-hop’s biggest names, this lawsuit could reshape not just their personal feud but also industry conversations around label loyalty, artist rights, and corporate influence over music beefs. The court will ultimately decide whether these high-profile subpoenas move forward, but one thing is clear: the Drake vs. Kendrick saga is far from over.

Stay locked to WorldWide Entertainment TV for further updates as this story continues to unfold.