All articles tagged with #umg
Spotify and Universal Music Group announced a licensing deal enabling Spotify to develop generative AI models that will allow fans to remix and cover songs from UMG artists, with these AI features set to appear later as a paid add-on for premium users; launch timing has not been disclosed.
UMG has filed an 83-page brief in the Second Circuit arguing Drake’s bid to revive his defamation suit over Kendrick Lamar’s 'Not Like Us' is illogical and hypocritical, insisting Lamar’s lyrics were nonactionable opinion and that Drake seeks a harsher standard for lyric-based statements; Drake originally sued UMG in Jan 2025, claiming the label promoted the track to spread a false claim that he is a pedophile, but a district court ruled the lyrics were hyperbolic and not factual. The case tests how defamation law applies to rap lyrics and whether context can shield artists from liability.
Lorde announced she’s now an independent artist after her Universal Music Group contract expired in late 2025, seeking a clean slate after signing with UMG at age 12. She praised the team at UMG but said she needed freedom from a pre-sold creative output, and Variety confirms she’s no longer with UMG. She had released Virgin through UMG in 2025 and is currently on her Ultrasound tour, with upcoming Los Angeles shows, while leaving open the possibility of future deals with Universal.
Universal Music Group has partnered with NVIDIA to develop responsible AI tools for music creation, discovery, and engagement, emphasizing artist involvement and safeguards to protect copyright and authenticity, aiming to enhance the music experience and combat low-quality AI-generated content.
UMG and AI music company Udio have reached a strategic agreement ending their lawsuit over copyright infringement, with UMG licensing its music assets to Udio and collaborating on a new AI-powered music platform set to launch in 2026, offering a protected environment for music creation and engagement.
Drake has filed an appeal against the dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar's song 'Not Like Us,' which was deemed by a judge as a nonactionable opinion. The legal battle stems from UMG's promotion of the track, with Drake's team planning to challenge the court's decision in the Court of Appeals.
A federal judge in New York dismissed Drake's defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, ruling that Lamar's song 'Not Like Us' is protected opinion within the context of a heated rap battle, despite its provocative lyrics.
Drake is seeking Kendrick Lamar’s contract and evidence related to domestic violence allegations in a legal dispute with Universal Music Group, which involves accusations of defamation and attempts to uncover financial and personal information about Lamar.
Drake's lawsuit against UMG involved requests for documents related to allegations of domestic violence against Kendrick Lamar and details about Lamar's children, but these specific requests were not pursued further in the ongoing legal process. The discovery phase continues into 2026, with no conclusive evidence publicly revealed. The case highlights ongoing legal and personal tensions between the artists.
Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Sara Rivers against Diddy, arguing that UMG should not be involved as their connection is minimal and the case is time-barred. The lawsuit, which also named UMG among many defendants, concerns alleged treatment by Diddy, but UMG claims their involvement is irrelevant and legally unfounded. A judge has not yet made a ruling.
Drake has filed legal petitions accusing Universal Music Group (UMG) of removing copyright restrictions on Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us" to boost its popularity through influencers, a move allegedly involving bots and payola. This tactic, previously seen as Kendrick's initiative to support content creators, is now under scrutiny. UMG denies these allegations, asserting their ethical marketing practices. Both artists are under UMG, with Kendrick distributed by Interscope and Drake signed with Republic.
Drake's credibility in the rap industry is under scrutiny following his legal actions against UMG, accusing them of manipulating Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" streams. This move is seen by some as a desperate attempt to maintain his dominance, which is now being questioned. Despite past successes, Drake's recent releases have not performed well, and his upcoming album with PARTYNEXTDOOR is seen as a potential turning point. Winning the lawsuit could impact the streaming industry, but Drake's ability to reclaim his top spot remains uncertain.
Drake has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group and Spotify, alleging they conspired to inflate the streaming numbers of Kendrick Lamar's track "Not Like Us" through questionable promotional tactics. The claims include reduced royalty rates for increased song recommendations, undisclosed influencer campaigns, and the use of bots to boost streams. While UMG denies these allegations, the evidence presented by Drake's team appears to be based on outdated information and lacks concrete proof, raising questions about the validity of the accusations.
Drake has filed a legal petition against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, accusing them of artificially inflating the popularity of Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us" through illegal means such as bots and payola. This move is part of an ongoing feud between Drake and Lamar, and the petition claims violations of the RICO statute and deceptive business practices. The filing is a pre-action petition to gather information before potentially filing a full lawsuit.
UMG announced the removal of its artists' music from TikTok due to failed contract negotiations, citing concerns about compensation, AI-generated content, and online safety. While most Western UMG artists were affected, many K-Pop groups like BTS and BLACKPINK were primarily unaffected. However, the purge expanded to include any music related to UMG, muting fan edits and dance challenges. RIIZE's "Talk Saxy" was initially unaffected, but has now been muted on TikTok, prompting the group to share a fan's cover of the song.