The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is no longer confined to lyrics or social media it’s now unfolding in the legal arena. The high-stakes legal clash tied to Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” is heating up, and both artists may soon find themselves testifying under oath. This week, new developments emerged from the courtroom that could bring major players in the music industry into the spotlight.

According to newly surfaced court filings on Friday (July 18), witness lists from both sides in the Universal Music Group (UMG) defamation case have been submitted.

Drake, who filed the suit against UMG, has identified 63 potential witnesses, including himself, UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge, and executives from major platforms like TikTok, Spotify, and even the NFL. 

These names suggest a legal strategy that reaches far beyond music, touching on the broader entertainment ecosystem.

UMG Eyes Kendrick and Drake for Testimony

In contrast, UMG’s witness list is far more concise, naming just nine individuals. However, it packs a punch, featuring Kendrick Lamar, his longtime manager Anthony Saleh, and Drake himself. Despite being at the center of the lyrical firestorm, Kendrick isn’t a defendant in the case but that doesn't mean he won’t be called to testify. If subpoenas are approved, both he and Drake could be questioned in court about the diss track and its ripple effects.

Drake’s legal team has also taken aggressive steps, reportedly hiring private investigators to track down Kojo Menne Asamoah. They allege Asamoah helped discreetly circulate the so-called defamatory content, a move they claim violated multiple industry standards.

At the core of the lawsuit are allegations that UMG defamed Drake by releasing and promoting “Not Like Us,” along with claims of unethical promotion tactics, contract violations, and unfair business practices. Yet even amid the legal storm, both Kendrick and Drake continue to dominate music charts, tour stages, and headlines—proving that their rivalry isn’t slowing down their success.