Drake’s legal dispute with Universal Music Group (UMG) continues to intensify. In a 144-page document submitted to Bexar County, Texas, on Thursday (Jan. 23), the music giant asked a court to dismiss the pre-action petition the rapper filed against them in November 2024.

Universal Music Group is looking to have Drake’s pre-action petition in Texas dismissed. On Thursday (Jan. 23), the record company submitted a 144-page motion to throw out the case, which they claim was filed in the wrong state in the first place.

According to TMZ Hip-Hop, the suit addresses Universal releasing and promoting Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” The suit claims the label was well aware of Lamar’s lyrics, images in the music video, and how allegations of Drake being a pedophile were both false and dangerous.

After flirting with the possibility for months, Drake is suing Universal Music Group for defamation and harassment over releasing Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” Drake filed the suit January 15 against UMG,

More legal drama surrounding Drake's lawsuit against Universal Music Group erupts as the label responds to new filing.

Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist — let alone Drake — is illogical."

The leading hip-hop superstar beef has been cranked up another notch, with Drake suing Universal Music Group for defamation over rival Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”

Universal Music has filed a motion to dismiss Drake’s petition for pre-suit deposition in Bexar County, Texas, citing lack of evidence in the rapper’s claims against the record company that it artificially inflated and promoted Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.

UMG’s motion to dismiss argues that Drake’s lack of direct evidence towards his “Not Like Us” defamation and payola claims warrant a dismissal of the petition. “Because [Drake’s] petition is related to and was filed in response to UMG’s protected free speech,