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Drake’s Dad Defends Rapper As Joe Budden Criticizes His UMG Legal Battle

BY JO Mensah November 29, 2024 8:54 AM EDT
Drake
Drake Instagram/@champagnepapi

Drake’s ongoing legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) has sparked heated reactions. In a recent episode of his podcast, Joe Budden took center stage to unleash a harsh critique of the Canadian superstar.

However, Drake’s father, Dennis Graham, has stepped in to defend his son, calling out Budden for his remarks.

The controversy began when Budden, known for his outspoken commentary, addressed Drake’s conflict with UMG. He accused the rapper of manipulative behavior and made claims about Drake’s conduct behind the scenes.

The former rapper-turned-podcaster’s comments extended to sensitive topics, including accusations about Drake’s interactions with industry peers and their families.

This tirade did not go unnoticed. Dennis Graham took to social media, warning Budden to refrain from involving himself in matters that, in his view, don’t concern him. Graham’s protective stance highlights the personal stakes for Drake and his family as the high-profile legal dispute unfolds.

Drake’s battle with UMG

Drake’s battle with UMG revolves around serious allegations. The rapper filed legal petitions accusing the music conglomerate of unethical practices, including using streaming bots and payola to boost the success of Kendrick Lamar’s track ‘Not Like Us,’ which contains allegations against Drake. These filings seek further information ahead of a potential lawsuit.

UMG has categorically denied the accusations, asserting its commitment to ethical standards in promoting its artists. It emphasized that music consumption ultimately reflects fan choices, dismissing Drake’s claims as unfounded.

The legal conflict has drawn significant attention, especially given the involvement of other major industry players such as Spotify and iHeartMedia. Neither they nor Kendrick Lamar have responded publicly to the allegations.

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