On 6 August 2025, Judge Jeannette Vargas approved Drake’s motion for alternative service on Kojo Menne Asamoah. Drake’s attorneys claimed Asamoah holds key knowledge about Universal Music Group’s alleged covert tactics.
The court allowed service via certified mail and email to eight verified addresses linked to Asamoah. Drake’s team spent $75 000 (approximately R1 387 500) on surveillance and private investigators to locate the witness.
Eleven failed attempts were documented across multiple states, prompting the request for alternative methods. The ruling marks a pivotal procedural win in Drake’s defamation lawsuit against UMG.
Witness linked to streaming manipulation
Drake alleges Asamoah directed payments to third parties for artificial streaming boosts of “Not Like Us”. The track, released by Kendrick Lamar, is distributed by UMG’s Interscope label.
Drake’s legal filing claims UMG promoted defamatory material with full knowledge of its falsity. Judge Vargas cited Asamoah’s suspected role in coordinating botting and financial incentives.
Drake’s team believes Asamoah acted on behalf of UMG executive Ramon Alvarez-Smikle. The subpoena seeks documents proving UMG’s involvement in streaming manipulation and defamation.
Super Bowl performance amplifies claims
Drake amended his lawsuit in April to include Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show on 9 February 2025. The NFL censored the lyric “certified paedophile” during the broadcast but left other lyrics untouched.
Drake argues that this selective censorship proves UMG’s intent to monetise defamatory content. The performance reached 133.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime show ever.
Drake’s attorneys claim UMG exploited the broadcast to amplify false allegations. The amended complaint spans 107 pages and includes new evidence of reputational harm.
UMG responds with motion to dismiss
UMG filed a motion to dismiss in May, calling Drake’s claims “nonactionable opinion and rhetorical hyperbole”. The company has dismissed Drake’s lawsuit as legally unfounded and without merit, arguing that the claims lack a factual basis and fail to meet legal standards.
It has publicly described Drake’s lawsuit as “one absurd legal step after another” and called the legal actions “foolish and frivolous legal theatrics”.
Drake’s legal team insists discovery will expose UMG’s internal communications and marketing spend. Judge Vargas’s ruling now enables further document production and witness testimony. The case continues in the Southern District of New York, with pre-trial hearings expected this autumn.
