When Art Meets Law: Analyzing Drake's Defamation Case Against UMG - Ep. 61

In this episode of Litigation Nation, co-hosts Danessa Watkins and Jack Sanker return from a brief hiatus to delve into two significant legal topics making headlines: recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and a high-profile defamation lawsuit involving music industry giants Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

We kick off the episode with Jack discussing the newly announced tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, which are set to take effect on March 12, 2025. He explains the implications of these tariffs, including a substantial increase from 10% to 25%, and how they will affect various industries, particularly construction. Jack highlights the statutory powers granted to the president by Congress, specifically referencing the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows for such tariff increases under the guise of national security. He emphasizes the potential consequences for businesses reliant on international imports, including price hikes and shortages, and discusses the lack of existing contractual provisions to address these sudden changes in material costs. For the latest on International Trade, Amundsen Davis's Ngosong Fonkem has multiple legal write-ups that can be read on www.amundsendavislaw.com.

Transitioning to the second segment, Danessa takes the reins to cover the ongoing defamation lawsuit filed by Drake against UMG Recordings, Inc. The lawsuit stems from a heated feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, which escalated into a series of diss tracks and public accusations. Danessa outlines the timeline of events leading to the lawsuit, including violent incidents that occurred at Drake's home, which he attributes to the fallout from the feud and UMG's actions in promoting Kendrick's diss track, "Not Like Us."

The hosts analyze the unique nature of the lawsuit, noting that Drake has chosen to sue the record label rather than Kendrick himself. Danessa discusses the creative and visually engaging nature of Drake's complaint, which includes graphic elements and a dramatic introduction detailing the threats to his safety. The episode explores the legal complexities of defamation, particularly the requirement for public figures like Drake to prove actual malice on the part of UMG.

Danessa and Jack emphasize the importance of understanding the legal ramifications of both the tariff situation and the defamation lawsuit, encouraging listeners to stay informed about these evolving issues. They remind the audience to consult legal professionals for guidance in navigating these complex matters, particularly those in the construction industry facing the fallout from the new tariffs.