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UMG (Universal Music Group) has filed a motion to have Drake’s amended lawsuit against his recording label dismissed, calling the rapper’s allegations “asthoning” in their filing. Drake filed a lawsuit against UMG at the top of the year over Kendrick Lamar’s hit diss record “Not Like Us” and has accused the label of defaming him.
As reported by Variety, UMG is responding to Drake’s claims made in the amended lawsuit, and the Canadian superstar is charging the label with heavily promoting the song, which features a lyric accusing him of being a pedophile.
The initial lawsuit came just as news surfaced that Kendrick Lamar would be the halftime performer at this year’s Super Bowl, and it was anticipated that “Not Like Us,” one of the biggest hit records of 2024, would be a centerpiece. It appeared that Drake wanted to get ahead of the noise regarding the track. Lamar did perform the track but altered the lyrics in question.
UMG, which filed its motion on Wednesday (May 7), had their legal representation address Drake’s amended lawsuit straight away, while seemingly taking a dig at the OVO honcho.
“As Drake concedes, Lamar’s Super Bowl performance did not include the lyric that Drake or his associates are ‘certified pedophiles’ (i.e., the alleged ‘Defamatory Material’ that is at the heart of this case). The focus of Drake’s new claims—that ‘the largest audience for a Super Bowl halftime show ever’ did not hear Lamar call Drake or his crew pedophiles—betrays this case for what it is: Drake’s attack on the commercial and creative success of the rap artist who defeated him, rather than the content of Lamar’s lyrics.”
Drake has not responded publicly to the entered motion as of yet.
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Photo: Cole Burston / Getty
Universal Music Group wants a federal judge to dismiss Drake’s updated defamation lawsuit that complained about Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance of “Not Like Us,” arguing he’s just upset about a “rap artist who defeated him.”
Weeks after Drake filed an amended version of his case that claimed the halftime show was intended to “assassinate the character of another artist,” UMG fired back Wednesday – arguing that the new claims about the Super Bowl are as legally faulty as the rest of the case.
“Drake’s new allegations are astonishing,” the music giant’s lawyer Rollin Ransom writes. “As Drake concedes, Lamar’s Super Bowl performance did not include the lyric that Drake or his associates are “certified pedophiles” (i.e., the alleged “Defamatory Material” that is at the heart of this case).”
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“The focus of Drake’s new claims — that ‘the largest audience for a Super Bowl halftime show ever’ did not hear Lamar call Drake or his crew pedophiles — betrays this case for what it is: Drake’s attack on the commercial and creative success of the rap artist who defeated him, rather than the content of Lamar’s lyrics,” Ransom added.
Lamar released “Not Like Us” last May amid a high-profile beef with Drake that saw the two UMG stars release a series of bruising diss tracks. The song, a knockout punch that blasted Drake as a “certified pedophile” over an infectious beat, eventually became a chart-topping hit in its own right.
In January, Drake took the unusual step of suing UMG over the song, claiming his own label had defamed him by boosting the track’s popularity. The lawsuit, which doesn’t name Lamar himself as a defendant, alleges that UMG “waged a campaign” against its own artist to spread a “malicious narrative” about pedophilia that it knew to be false.
UMG believes the case is clearly meritless – that “hyperbolic insults” and “vitriolic allegations” are par for the course in diss tracks and cannot form the basis for a libel lawsuit. The company has pointedly noted that Drake himself was happy to make such attacks, including accusing Lamar of domestic abuse, until he lost the battle.
During the halftime show, which took place weeks after Drake filed his case, Lamar omitted the word “pedophile.” But after much speculation over whether he’d play the song at all, Kendrick really didn’t hold back otherwise – making it the centerpiece of the set and clearly rapping similar lyrics, including: “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young.”
In his amended complaint last month, Drake’s attorneys argued that the decision to censor the word “pedophile” during the broadcast failed to avoid the song’s defamatory meaning – and instead had underscored the rapper’s legal case against UMG.
“Kendrick Lamar would not have been permitted to perform during the Super Bowl Performance unless the word ‘pedophile’… was omitted from the lyrics — that is because nearly everyone understands that it is defamatory to falsely brand someone a ‘certified pedophile’,” wrote Drake’s attorney Michael Gottlieb.
But in Wednesday’s motion to dismiss the case, UMG argued that Drake’s censorship argument was logically flawed.
“Drake contends that the decision not to include the word ‘pedophiles’ … could only reflect that the language is defamatory,” UMG’s lawyers write. “But this ignores any number of other explanations for the decision — such as threats by Drake of additional meritless litigation.”
Wednesday’s motion also highlighted that Drake had “removed obviously false factual allegations” from his original complaint, including that UMG directly paid for bots to boost streams of Kendrick’s track: “Drake is now reduced to citing a different podcast host who claimed that ‘Kendrick used bots’ [and] a now-deleted anonymous X comment accusing Lamar of ‘buying promo.’”
Drake’s lawyers will have a chance to respond to the motion to dismiss in the weeks ahead, and the judge will issue a ruling at some point in the next few months.
It’s time to tighten our belts for another Executive Turntable, Billboard’s weekly compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across the music business. There’s been a gob of staffing news this week, so let’s hop to it.
Dawn Gates, senior vp of digital business and creative development at Universal Music Group Nashville (UMGN), announced her departure after nearly 20 years to launch Seven Note Enterprises, a consulting and management firm. Her exit coincides with UMGN’s rebranding as MCA under new leadership by CEO Mike Harris and chief creative officer Dave Cobb, who came aboard in early February following the departure of Cindy Mabe. During her tenure with UMG Nashville, Gates most recently served as the core liaison for global digital businesses, integration strategies and marketing initiatives. Gates initiated the launch of and oversaw Sing Me Back Home Productions, a production arm of UMG Nashville, established in 2024. Gates, who recently welcomed twins with her wife, Harper Grae, expressed gratitude for her time at UMGN and excitement for her new venture.
“After 19 transformative years with Universal Music Group, I’m stepping away to write the next chapters of my career,” said Gates, who can be reached at dawn@seven-note.com. “I’m deeply grateful to UMG – especially Mike Dungan and Cindy Mabe – for the belief in my vision and the support in taking bold, often unconventional, risks. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most innovative and driven minds in music. However, the industry continues to shift and the way we develop artists, build stories, and connect with audiences is changing – and so am I.”
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Meanwhile…
Universal Music UK appointed Rachel Tregenza and Charlotte Allan to lead its communications and policy team, reporting to svp of communications and policy Tom Williams. Tregenza, a Universal Music Group veteran of over a decade, steps into the role of senior director of communications and global artist strategy. She will focus on international storytelling for UMUK artists and collaborate with the audience and media division. Allan joins as vp of global communications and public policy from Milltown Partners, where she advised clients across creative and tech sectors. Her responsibilities will include corporate communications and UK policy initiatives. Williams, who has led global communications campaigns for UMG, will now oversee all communications and public policy efforts for Universal Music UK. Jonathan Badyal, who has spent eight years at UMUK, most recently as director of communications, will depart this summer for a new opportunity. UMUK president Dickon Stainer praised Tregenza and Allan for bringing a dynamic perspective and thanked Badyal for his contributions. “With Tom’s guidance, they have a fresh and ambitious perspective both for our communications and storytelling in the UK, as well as the international storylines of our UK artists overseas,” said Stainer.
iHeartMedia appointed David Hillman as executive vice president, chief legal officer and secretary. Hillman, who is based in Los Angeles, will oversee all legal matters, including compliance, regulatory, corporate governance, government and business affairs, and privacy teams. He brings extensive media experience, having recently served as chief legal officer at Venu Sports, a joint venture between ESPN, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Hillman also held roles at Paramount Global, Simon & Schuster and Westwood One. Bob Pittman, iHeartMedia’s chairman and CEO, praised Hillman’s relevant experience and “familiarity with the audio industry.” Hillman added: “I look forward to working with iHeart’s leadership, partners, and the talented Legal team to help advance the company across every corner of the audio landscape.”
Virgin Music Group promoted Hannah Thompson-Waitt to senior vice president of commercial strategy. In her new role, she’ll lead the U.S. commercial team from the company’s Los Angeles headquarters, focusing on streaming strategy, analysis and fan acquisition across a wide swath of artists. Thompson-Waitt, who reports to Zack Gershen, evp of global commercial and digital strategy, previously served as vp of commercial strategy and held senior roles at mtheory, with a career that began in 2014 when she launched her own K-pop media company. Her experience includes work with Clairo, St. Vincent and others. She also sits on the advisory board of Queer Capita and holds degrees from the University of Texas and NYU.
Michael Beckerman has been named the next dean of The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, beginning no later than Oct. 1 of this year. A leading musicologist known for his work in Czech and Eastern European music, Beckerman has held academic positions at NYU, UC Santa Barbara and Washington University in St. Louis, and has authored seven books and received prestigious honors such as the Dvořák and Janáček Medals. Beckerman holds degrees from Hofstra and Columbia, and serves on various academic boards. UCLA executive vice chancellor and provost Darnell Hunt lauded Beckerman’s credentials, saying his “academic, professional and administrative experience and achievements, coupled with his UC roots, position him well to lead The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music at this pivotal moment.” Beckerman, in turn, emphasized his passion for music and dedication to supporting students and expanding the school’s reach locally and internationally. The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music combines performance, scholarship and music industry training in its program.
Messina Touring Group made a round of promotions. The company has elevated Nick Ayoub to head of digital strategy and operations, to lead MTG’s overall digital operations. Ayoub also leads digital strategy for record-breaking stadium tours, including those by Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and more. Kara Smoak rises to director of digital marketing and continuing to lead digital marketing and creative strategy for all MTG country artists, including George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Blake Shelton and more. Meesha Kosciolek has been promoted to director of production, MTG Nashville, while Alvin Abshire has risen to digital operations manager. Lucy Freeman has been promoted to digital marketing manager, and Madison Machen has been elevated to manager, partnerships and branding. –Jessica Nicholson
Black River Entertainment named LeAnn Bennett as vice president of label services. In her new role, Bennett will oversee business affairs, A&R administration and sync licensing, reporting to EVP Rick Froio. A longtime consultant for Black River, she officially joins the team with over 30 years of industry experience, including past roles at Capitol Records Nashville, Compass Records and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Since 2010, she has also led Bennett Entertainment Group. Froio praised the move, calling it “a natural fit,” while Bennett called the BRE “the best in the business.”
NASHVILLE NOTES: Curb Records elevated Allyson Gelnett (Massey) to national director of promotion & strategic initiatives, up from her previous role as director of promotion. Since joining the label in 2018, Gelnett has played a key role in developing artist campaigns and driving success across country radio. In her expanded role, she’ll work alongside svp of promotion RJ Meacham to craft and implement strategies aimed at growing fanbases and boosting airplay in top markets … Warner Music Nashville promoted two members of its commercial partnerships team: Katherine Firsching shifted to partnerships director from manager of video strategy, and Blair Poirier stepped up to division manager from coordinator.
Darkroom Records named Nina Lee as head of communications and publicity. Based in New York, Lee will lead the label’s communication strategies and publicity campaigns, collaborating closely with CEO Justin Lubliner and the Darkroom team. With over ten years of experience in music, tech and entertainment PR, Lee will manage publicity for artists including d4vd, John Summit, and Wisp. Meanwhile, Alexandra Baker of High Rise PR continues to oversee campaigns for Billie Eilish and FINNEAS. Previously, Lee held senior roles at Shore Fire Media and The Oriel Company. A first-gen Korean American and NYU alum, she is a strong advocate for equity in entertainment and mentors through the Next Gem Femme program. Lubliner praised Lee’s creative approach and deep understanding of artist development, noting “she understands the importance of narrative and works closely with artists to help them best tell their stories.”
Ikenna Nwagboso and Camillo Doregos launched Hi-Way 89 Entertainment, a new music company based between Toronto and Calgary, with distribution through Vydia/gamma. The company focuses on artist development and label services, highlighting talent from Canada and Africa. Their first major signing is Canadian pop/R&B singer Chrissy Spratt, whose debut single “In Too Deep” releases on April 25. Nwagboso, co-founder of emPawa Africa, has launched careers for artists like Joeboy and Fave. Doregos, founder of DC Talent Agency, has worked with artists like Pheelz and booked talent for major festivals. Both hail from Nigeria, and Hi-Way 89 has also signed Nigerian artist Siraheem and South African DJ Chelsea Sloan, aiming to bridge African and Canadian music markets.
BOARD SHORTS: The MLC put out an APB seeking candidates for its board of directors and several key committees. Several terms for publisher reps are expiring this year, with elections for open seats taking place soon. Selected members will serve three-year terms, with the possibility of renewal. Current openings include one publisher seat on the Dispute Resolution Committee, two on the Operations Advisory Committee, and two on the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee. These groups provide policy and procedural recommendations to the board. Suggestions are due by May 22 and can be submitted via this form … AEG Presents executive Brent Fedrizzi was elected to his second non-consecutive term as board president of the North American Concert Promoters Association, following the trade group’s annual meeting April 15 at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles. (His initial term ended in 2022, with Jodi Goodman succeeding him.) NACPA also elected 2025 board members, including Anthony Nicolaidis (Live Nation), Chuck Steedman (The Live Co.), Jodi Goodman (Live Nation) and John Valentino (AEG).
Shelby Paul launched boutique public relations firm Evolvance PR, specializing in strategic communications, media relations, story development and more. Paul previously worked as director of communications at Big Machine Label Group, leading media strategy for the label and its publishing arm Big Machine Music. At BMLG, she worked with artists including Carly Pearce, Conner Smith, Thomas Rhett, Lady A, Rascal Flatts, songwriters Jessie Jo Dillon and Laura Veltz, and more. Paul’s prior stops include the Academy of Country Music, Detroit Pistons and Allied Global Marketing. –J.N.
Trent Allison has been promoted to senior director of sales and special events for AEG Presents‘ venues in Georgia and Tennessee. Based in Nashville, he will oversee certain events at The Pinnacle, AEG’s new flagship venue, while continuing his leadership at The Eastern, Terminal West, Variety Playhouse and Georgia Theater. Reporting to regional vp Mike DuCharme, Allison brings over 25 years of sales experience and a strong track record in revenue growth. Margarita Rios will become director of sales in Georgia, and Dell Ressl will be promoted to sales and operations manager, both reporting to Allison. Allison has been key to AEG’s venue expansion in Georgia since 2013.
Discord appointed Humam Sakhnini as chief executive officer, effective April 28. He will also join the board of directors. Co-founder Jason Citron will transition to an advisor role while remaining on the board, and Stanislav Vishnevskiy continues as chief technology officer. Sakhnini, with over 15 years of gaming industry experience, previously held leadership roles at Activision Blizzard and King Digital Entertainment. His appointment aligns with Discord’s renewed focus on gaming, including expansions into advertising, micro-transactions, and developer tools. Discord serves over 200 million monthly active users, who spend 2 billion hours gaming each month, and has seen strong revenue growth.
ALL IN THE FAMILY: Tim Chan is promoted to vp of e-commerce at PMC. In his new role, he will lead editorial strategy and performance across PMC’s e-commerce initiatives, collaborating with editorial, sales, and revenue teams to meet commerce goals. Chan will oversee shopping, hospitality and consumer tech content for PMC’s fashion and entertainment brands, including Billboard, and spearhead projects to grow revenue and audience reach. Chan joined PMC in 2016 as the founding editor of Spy.com and later became lifestyle editor at Rolling Stone. He has also worked at Snapchat, founded the independent fashion magazine Corduroy, and began his career in Canada as a producer for E! Network and MuchMusic. Craig Perreault, PMC’s chief strategy officer, praised Chan’s talent and creativity since joining the company nearly a decade ago: “He brings his deep talent, creativity and natural business instincts to everything he does and is responsible for significantly growing our e-commerce programs across the portfolio.”
ICYMI:
Nicole George-Middleton
Universal Music Group Nashville is rebranding as MCA under CEO Mike Harris and chief creative officer Dave Cobb. Staffing changes include Katie McCartney as executive vp and general manager and Tom LaScola as head of artist and audience strategy, reflecting the new direction … Atlantic veteran Gina Tucci launched a new independent dance label, 146 Records … Nicole George-Middleton was elevated to evp and head of creative membership at ASCAP. [Keep Reading]
Last Week’s Turntable: Island Elevates Its Head of Analytics
The European Commission said on Friday it will investigate Universal Music Group’s planned acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings, according to a statement.
The investigation will determine whether “the transaction threatens to significantly affect competition in certain markets of the music value chain, where both companies are active, in Austria and in the Netherlands,” which requested the probe, according to an announcement by the EC. UMG is legally registered in the Netherlands and its stock trades on the Euronext Amsterdam.
A UMG spokesperson said a statement that the company looks “forward to continuing to co-operate with the European Commission in the weeks ahead. We are confident that we will close this acquisition in the second half of the year, on its original timeline.”
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UMG, the world’s largest music company, announced plans late last year to acquire Downtown for $775 million. The deal would significantly expand UMG’s presence in the market catering to do-it-yourself artists, songwriters and indie labels.
New York-based Downtown is the owner of the direct-to-creator distributor CD Baby, and the direct-to-business technology and distribution platform FUGA, the administration business SongTrust, and royalty and financial services companies, including Curve.
The fast-growing sector of the music business serving artists and companies that want to maintain greater control of their works has seen a flurry of investment and acquisitions in recent years.
In addition to its bid for Downtown, UMG acquired a controlling stake in the indie label group [PIAS], an expansion of its 2022 investment in the London-based business.
IMPALA, the European association of independent music companies, which has been critical of UMG’s prior acquisitions, said it welcomed the EC’s investigation and hopes regulators will stop “UMG’s juggernaut strategy.”
“The acquisition would further entrench UMG’s position across European music markets, squeezing out competition, narrowing opportunities for independents and the artists they work with and allowing UMG to exercise more control over streaming services,” IMPALA said in a statement.
In a research note published this week, analysts at J.P. Morgan agreed the deal would increase UMG and Virgin Music’s reach, and said it would enhance UMG’s “support of independent music entrepreneurs … [and] double Downtown’s [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization] over 2-3 years.”
UMG’s deal must receive regulatory approval to proceed, and the European Commission said it has asked UMG to officially report the deal.
Drake has filed an updated version of his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” claiming the rival’s Super Bowl halftime show was intended to “assassinate the character of another artist.”
In an amended complaint filed late Wednesday, Drake’s attorneys say the Super Bowl show, watched by 133 million people and “million of children”, “revitalized the public’s attention” to lyrics calling Drake a “certified pedophile” – a diss that the Canadian superstar claims is false and defamatory.
“It was the first, and will hopefully be the last, Super Bowl halftime show orchestrated to assassinate the character of another artist,” writes Drake’s lawyer Michael Gottlieb.
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During the halftime show, which took place weeks after Drake had already sued UMG over “Not Like Us,” Lamar omitted the word “pedophile.” But after much speculation over whether he’d play the song at all, Kendrick really didn’t hold back otherwise – making it the centerpiece of the set and clearly rapping similar lyrics, including: “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young.”
In Wednesday’s updated lawsuit, Drake’s lawyers say the decision to censor the word “pedophile” during the broadcast failed to avoid the song’s defamatory meaning – and instead had underscored the rapper’s legal case against UMG.
“Kendrick Lamar would not have been permitted to perform during the Super Bowl Performance unless the word ‘pedophile’… was omitted from the lyrics — that is because nearly everyone understands that it is defamatory to falsely brand someone a ‘certified pedophile’,” Gottlieb wrote in the new complaint. “The NFL, as well as the corporate entities responsible for the televised and streaming broadcasts of the Super Bowl Performance, all understood the words “certified pedophile” to be unacceptable in a broadcast to millions of listeners.”
Though it added new claims, the amended complaint also softened certain accusations against UMG, like the lawsuit’s claim that the label used bots to boost the song’s streaming numbers. Drake’s lawyers removed specific allegations about a “whistleblower” and potentially “indirectly” orchestrated such a campaign: “At minimum, UMG was aware that third parties were using bots to stream the Recording and turned a blind eye, despite having the power to stop such behavior.”
In a statement to Billboard on Thursday, UMG blasted Drake and his lawyers over the latest filing, calling the case “frivolous and reckless” and saying that changes were made to the lawsuit because Drake’s team was “fearful of being sanctioned for asserting false allegations.”
“Drake, unquestionably one of the world’s most accomplished artists and with whom we’ve enjoyed at 16-year successful relationship, is being misled by his legal representatives into taking one absurd legal step after another,” UMG wrote. “Should his legal representatives senselessly keep the New York lawsuit alive, we will demonstrate that all remaining claims are without merit. It is shameful that these foolish and frivolous legal theatrics continue. They are reputationally and financially costly to Drake and have no chance of success.”
Lamar released “Not Like Us” last May amid a high-profile beef with Drake that saw the two UMG stars release a series of bruising diss tracks. The song, a knockout punch that blasted Drake as a “certified pedophile” over an infectious beat, eventually became a chart-topping hit in its own right.
In January, Drake took the unusual step of suing UMG over the song, claiming his own label had defamed him by boosting the track’s popularity. The lawsuit, which doesn’t name Lamar himself as a defendant, alleges that UMG “waged a campaign” against its own artist to spread a “malicious narrative” about pedophilia that it knew to be false.
UMG has already filed a scathing motion seeking to dismiss the case last month, arguing not only that it was “meritless” but also ridiculing Drake for suing in the first place. That motion will be refiled following the filing of Wednesday’s updated lawsuit.
In one of the case’s earliest skirmishes, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled earlier this month that discovery could move ahead in the case, denying UMG’s request to halt document production and depositions until after she decides whether to dismiss the case entirely. Drake’s attorneys had already sought swathes of evidence, including Lamar’s recording contract.
Drake’s lawyers billed that decision as a major win at the time, allowing them to “see what UMG was so desperately trying to hide.” But on Thursday, UMG warned that the ruling would cut both ways: “That ‘win’ will become a loss if this frivolous and reckless lawsuit is not dropped in its entirety because Drake will personally be subject to discovery as well,” the company wrote. “As the old saying goes, ‘be careful what you wish for.’”
In their own statement Thursday, Drake’s legal team said the amended complaint “makes an already strong case stronger” than it was before: “UMG’s PR ‘spin’ and failed efforts to avoid discovery cannot suppress the facts and the truth,” Gottlieb said. “With discovery now moving forward, Drake will expose the evidence of UMG’s misconduct, and UMG will be held accountable for the consequences of its ill-conceived decisions.”
Elbows up for another Executive Turntable, Billboard’s weekly compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across the music business. There’s a full slate of news this week, so let’s get started.
Universal Music Canada promoted Amanda Kingsland to vp of A&R, co-leading the company’s A&R efforts with Shawn Marino, the vp of A&R operations. Together, they’ll lead UMC’s A&R teams — located in both Toronto and Montreal — to sign, develop, and break new Canadian artists. Kingsland, who joined UMC in 2021, revitalized the country music roster and multiple projects. Marino, a 30-year industry veteran, oversees 80A Studios, the label’s multi-room recording space, and The Academy, UMC’s event space. UMC’s artists include Josh Ross, Sofia Camara, Mae Martin, Owen Riegling and thiarajxtt, alongside recent signings AP Dhillon, Lindsay Ell, James Barker Band, Sebastian Gaskin, and TyriqueorDie. Julie Adam, president and CEO, praised Kingsland and Marino’s leadership, emphasizing their role in investing in artistic voices. “Music – and the artists who create it – are our driving force,” she said. “We focus our hustle, passion, care, creativity, and abundance of forward-thinking ideas on helping the artists we work with achieve personal, artistic, and commercial success. And at the centre of our mission to sign, develop, and break artists is our industry-leading A&R team.”
Hopeless Records announced key hires and promotions as it cements its position in the indie music industry. Ian Harrison is promoted to executive vp, focusing on business development and global growth. Erin Choi becomes general manager, overseeing global marketing and promotions after nearly two decades with the label. Christina Johns steps up as vp of operations, while Nonafaye Williams advances to senior director of product management. New additions include Jen Darmafall as director of marketing and Rheanna ‘Caedance’ Lauren as program director of the Hopeless Music Academy, which offers music education to under-resourced youth in Los Angeles. Founder Louis Posen praised the leadership team — Harrison, Choi, Johns, CFO Al Person, and evp of A&R Eric Tobin — as a passionate, “caring and talented executive team.” He also emphasized the label’s commitment to artist development, highlighting the Academy’s launch as a dream realized.
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Universal Music Greater China appointed Vivian Xu as chief operating officer, effective immediately. Based in Beijing, Xu will report directly to Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO. In her new role, she’ll collaborate with the senior leadership team to oversee daily operations and identify market expansion opportunities. Xu brings extensive experience from her previous roles at Columbia China, Sony Music Entertainment China, Motorola Solutions, Sony Ericsson and Schneider Electric China. Xu’s appointment is expected to enhance UMGC’s capabilities and strengthen its position in the Chinese music market. UMGC represents a diverse artist roster, including Li Nong Chen, Sunnee, Tanya Chua and Guo Ding. It has also partnered with Modern Sky, which features acts like New Pants and Tizzy T. Timothy Xu and Adam Granite, executive vp market development at UMG, praised her strategic insights and operational expertise.
MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports — friends call-em “the MSG family of companies” — appointed Doug Jossem as executive vp, global sports and entertainment partnerships. Reporting to Jamaal Lesane, chief operating officer of MSG Sports, Jossem will lead global partnership initiatives across MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment while supporting sales for MSG Networks. Jossem brings over 20 years of experience in media, advertising, and management, previously leading Walmart Connect’s largest business unit and holding key roles at Twitter, Vice, Comedy Central and CNN. Lesane highlighted MSG’s topline brands, expressing confidence in Jossem’s ability to create “innovative solutions that leverage the full depth and breadth of our portfolio to create unique platforms and unrivaled exposure for our partners.”
Nathaniel Brown, former PR head at Warner Bros. Discovery, joined TikTok as global head of corporate communications, reporting to Zenia Mucha. Based in New York, Brown previously held roles at 21st Century Fox, MTV Networks and SiriusXM. At Discovery, he managed PR during the 2022 merger and controversial decisions like shelving projects for tax write-offs. Brown left the company in January 2024. Now at TikTok, he faces significant challenges, including a potential U.S. ban on the app, set for April 5, after President Trump delayed the law earlier this year.
Candice Watkins, senior vp of marketing at Big Loud Records and a fixture on various Billboard power lists, confirmed she is leaving the Nashville label after a six-and-a-half year run. Prior to joining BLR, the USC alum clocked a couple years as senior director of marketing and artist development at Universal Music Group. The news was first covered by HITS, which reported “big plans on the horizon” for the executive.
Red Street Records hired Jason McArthur as the label’s vice president of Christian A&R and publishing, to lead in developing and expanding the roster of Christian artists and songwriters at Red Street Records and Red Street Publishing. McArthur will oversee the label’s Christian roster, including Jason Crabb, Consumed By Fire, Cade Thompson and Iveth Luna, in addition to songwriters Brian White, the Ward Brothers and Crabb. McArthur previously served as vp of A&R at Sony Music Entertainment’s Provident Entertainment. –Jessica Nicholson
ATC Management expanded its U.S. team with new managers Dev Crawford and Jay Saunders. Based in Los Angeles, Crawford represents rapper Earl Sweatshirt and singer-songwriter Fana Hues, bringing extensive experience in hip-hop and R&B, including tour management for Snoh Aalegra and NxWorries. Saunders will lead ATC’s Nashville expansion, specializing in Americana, folk and all things roots. He previously worked with Marty Diamond and Mark Williams at Concord and now represents artists like John Vincent III and Kacy Hill. Both managers will continue signing new clients, joining a roster that includes Nick Cave, PJ Harvey and The Smile. They’ll work closely with Jackson Perry, head of management in North America, and can be reached at dev@atcmanagement.com and jay@atcmanagement.com.
Warner Music France launched Adore Music, a dance label led by Romain Pasquier, a 17-year WMG veteran. The label aims to showcase both emerging and established dance artists, leveraging Warner Music’s global resources to support talent in France and beyond. Pasquier, the managing director who’ll keep his senior role at label and artist services division WEA, is committed to honoring France’s electronic music legacy while nurturing the next generation. He is joined by Adrien Morin-Guardia, A&R and head of marketing, and Nicolas Klersky, A&R. Adore Music’s first release, “Need You the Most” by house duo Ofenbach, debuted on March 21. Parlez-vous français? Check out Billboard France‘s story on the launch.
Infamous promoted Jelani Wright to vp of festivals & events for North America. In his new role, Wright will oversee creator and publicity campaigns for North American music festivals, including CRSSD Festival, Lightning in a Bottle and its producer Do Lab, HARD Summer, Hangout Festival, Sand In My Boots, ARC Festival, Splash House, M3F Festival, and Electric Forest. Wright will also handle campaigns for international festivals including Barcelona’s Primavera Sound, Montreal’s Igloofest and Turin’s KappaFutur Festival. Wright started at Infamous as a publicist in the festival division in 2020 after graduating from the agency’s Fellowship program, an initiative that helps BIPOC candidates break into the music industry. Wright will report to Infamous COO Maxfield Frieser, who says that “Jelani’s passion, leadership, and innovative approach to earned media have been instrumental in evolving our festival campaigns and helping grow the division.” –Katie Bain
“Single White Female” singer-songwriter Chely Wright announced her new role as senior vp of corporate social responsibility and new market growth at facilities management firm ISS. She’ll drive impact by fostering client and community partnerships and empowering ISS’ 320,000+ employees. Wright’s initiatives will strengthen client relationships and celebrate internal culture, focusing on partnerships that unite corporate entities and community organizations. Wright was the first country artist to come out as gay in 2010 — read about her career transition in Stephen Daw’s new profile.
NASHVILLE NOTES: Matthew Miller, a veteran country music manager, joined talent agency The Familie, bringing artists William Beckmann and LEW. With 20-plus years of experience at WME, Red Light and more, Miller praised The Familie’s collaborative culture, while evp Royce Risser highlighted his expertise and artist-focused management approach … Monti Smith joined King Pen Music as creative coordinator after interning at the publishing company. He will work closely with CEO Kelly King and Amanda Roach, creative manager.
Brandon Holman joined Amber Health to lead industry relations. Previously, he was vp of marketing and wellness at Guin Records and co-founded The Lazuli Collective, an experiential wellness agency. Earlier in his career, Holman made stops at UnitedMasters and TikTok in various marketing and label partnerships roles. Amber Health, established in 2020, styles itself as the only full-service mental health and wellness solution for the music industry, focusing on supporting artists, tours, events and music companies. In 2023, Holman penned a guest column on how Guin prioritizes artists’ well-being, empowering them to create and share their music in a sustainable way.
The Circuit Group formed a joint venture with James Ahearn, founder of Buena Artists & Projects, to expand its global artist management team. Ahearn brings his roster, including Sparrow & Barbossa, Two Friends and Stevie Appleton/Collect 200. Ahearn praised The Circuit Group’s innovative approach and expressed excitement about launching his own division within the company. Dean Wilson, CEO of The Circuit Group, highlighted Ahearn’s impressive track record in artist management, adding, “his ability to identify and develop artists, foster impactful partnerships and navigate both the major label system and independent space makes him a perfect fit.”
Viamedia, the independent digital and linear advertising rep firm, acquired digital advertising company LocalFactor. LocalFactor’s founder and CEO, Evan Rutchik, will become Viamedia’s president and chief strategy officer, reporting to CEO David Solomon. Rutchik will drive Viamedia’s strategic vision, oversee LocalFactor’s operations, and join Viamedia’s board.
ALL IN THE FAMILY: Billboard welcomed Delisa Shannon as its new shortform content director. She joined from Rolling Stone and started this week in the New York office. Also, new staff writer Mackenzie Cummings-Grady will officially join the team on April 1, based in NYC … The Hollywood Reporter made three key editorial changes: Beatrice Verhoeven dropped the “deputy” from her title and is now “just” awards editor, longtime contributor Brande Victorian joined as the deputy awards editor, and senior awards editor Steven Zeitchik is now senior editor of technology and politics.
ICYMI:
Fernando Cabral
Fernando Cabral de Mello was appointed CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Brazil as part of a new organizational structure … Avex appointed S10 founder Brandon Silverstein as CEO of its new Avex Music Group to enhance its U.S. presence and promote Avex artists globally … and longtime music manager Andrew Goldstone joined the team at Milk & Honey as head of electronic music. [Keep Reading]
Last Week’s Turntable: Dizzying Changes Made at Spinnin’ Records
In 2023, Grammy-winning producer Daniel Nigro founded his independently-funded Amusement Records primarily as a home for a then-independent Chappell Roan to release the album they made together, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.
Roan at the time had been recently dropped by her former label, but as Nigro told Billboard when announcing Amusement: “I was so in love with everything that we were doing. I believe in [Chappell] so much that I was like, ‘Do I want this added stress in my life? Is it worth it? Yes.’”
And it sure was. Last August, almost one year after her debut album’s release, The Rise and Fall peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. The following month, she scored her highest-charting Hot 100 hit with “Good Luck, Babe!” And this February, Roan won the Grammy for best new artist.
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Now, on Wednesday (March 26), Universal Music Group and Nigro announced an expanded partnership with Amusement following the knockout success of Roan and building on the producer’s long-term creative relationship with superstar Olivia Rodrigo (who is signed to UMG label Geffen/Interscope). Going forward, Amusement will operate as a label venture within UMG, allowing new signees to partner with any of UMG’s labels.
“Daniel embodies the type of creative brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit that is at the heart of UMG,” UMG chairman and CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge, said in a statement. “I can’t wait to hear the culture shaping music and artists [he] will bring next to our global family.”
Since Nigro founded Amusement, he and Roan have both celebrated new highs. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess spawned six Hot 100 hits, including the top 10 smash “Pink Pony Club.” Meanwhile, Nigro earned his second Grammy for producer of the year at the 2025 ceremony for his work with Roan, Rodrigo and the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. (His first win was for Rodrigo’s debut album Sour.)
“After 6 years of working almost exclusively with the various labels [and] artists under Universal, it made perfect sense to make the relationship more formal,” Nigro said in a statement. “I want Amusement Records to be a place where artists can feel comfortable growing and developing at their own pace but with all the real resources needed to thrive and succeed.”
“Also,” he added, “a place where I can have the freedom to help choose the right team each time for the artist. I know in my heart that the people at Universal understand this, and I am beyond excited about what’s to come.”
Universal Music Group is asking a federal judge to halt all discovery in Drake’s defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” arguing that the star is unfairly demanding “highly commercially sensitive documents” – including Lamar’s record deal.
A day after moving to dismiss the lawsuit, UMG followed up Tuesday by asking the judge to pause discovery until he rules on that motion. That ruling is likely to end the entire case, UMG argued, and the label should not face costly demands for documents that will ultimately “be rendered moot.”
Such a delay is particularly necessary, UMG said, because Drake’s lawyers are already demanding “broad discovery” requests that impose an “undue burden” on the company. Those asks have allegedly ranged from Interscope boss John Janick’s pay structure to Lamar’s record deal.
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“Drake’s requests…seek production of confidential, proprietary, and highly commercially sensitive documents — including all contracts between UMG and Kendrick Lamar,” the label writes. “Proceeding with discovery while the motion is pending would waste the parties’ resources and would constitute an undue burden on defendant.”
In a statement Wednesday, Drake’s attorney Michael J. Gottlieb said it was “unsurprising” that UMG was “desperate” to avoid handing over evidence: “This motion is a ploy to delay producing documents and communications that UMG hopes to keep hidden and buried. If UMG has nothing to hide, it should not have an issue with discovery.”
UMG did not immediately return a request for comment.
Lamar released “Not Like Us” last May amid a high-profile beef with Drake that saw the two stars drop a series of bruising diss tracks. The song, a knockout punch that blasted Drake as a “certified pedophile” over an infectious beat, eventually became a chart-topping hit in its own right and was the centerpiece of Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show.
In January, Drake took the unusual step of suing UMG over the song, claiming the label had defamed him by boosting the track’s popularity. The lawsuit, which doesn’t name Lamar himself as a defendant, alleges that UMG “waged a campaign” against its own artist to spread a “malicious narrative” about pedophilia that it knew to be false.
UMG moved to dismiss the case on Monday, arguing not only that Drake’s allegations against the company were clearly “meritless,” but that the star filed his case simply because he had been publicly embarrassed: “Instead of accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be, he has sued his own record label in a misguided attempt to salve his wounds.”
In Tuesday’s filing, UMG argued that it was highly likely to succeed on those claims. And it warned that the daunting cost of defending against meritless defamation cases can be abused by those that want to squelch free speech.
“Critically, courts in this District have emphasized that defamation defendants must be protected from unnecessary discovery to safeguard First Amendment protections,” the company’s lawyers write. “A stay is therefore particularly warranted here given the untenability of Drake’s defamation claim and the First Amendment rights at issue.”
The two sides have already sparred over discovery once before. In a court filing last month, Drake’s lawyers said UMG was unfairly seeking to delay the case as their client continued to be defamed — and they cited Lamar’s halftime show as evidence of such ongoing harm. A judge eventually sided with Drake over that procedural issue, setting the stage for UMG’s motion on Tuesday.
Universal Music Group has filed a scathing first court response to Drake’s defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” blasting the case as “no more than Drake’s attempt to save face” after losing a rap beef.
In a motion filed Monday (March 17) seeking to dismiss the lawsuit, attorneys for the music giant argued that Drake’s allegations against the company were clearly “meritless” — and that he had gone to court simply because he had been publicly embarrassed.
“Plaintiff, one of the most successful recording artists of all time, lost a rap battle that he provoked and in which he willingly participated,” UMG’s lawyers write. “Instead of accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be, he has sued his own record label in a misguided attempt to salve his wounds.”
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In the filing, UMG pointedly noted that Drake himself had leveled his own “hyperbolic insults” and “vitriolic allegations” during the same exchange of stinging rap tracks, including accusing Lamar of domestic abuse and questioning whether the rival had really fathered his son.
“Drake has been pleased to use UMG’s platform to promote tracks leveling similarly incendiary attacks at Lamar,” the company’s attorneys write. “But now, after losing the rap battle, Drake claims that ‘Not Like Us’ is defamatory. It is not.”
In a statement to Billboard on Monday, Drake’s attorney Michael J. Gottlieb responded to the new filing. “UMG wants to pretend that this is about a rap battle in order to distract its shareholders, artists and the public from a simple truth: a greedy company is finally being held responsible for profiting from dangerous misinformation that has already resulted in multiple acts of violence,” Gottlieb said. “This motion is a desperate ploy by UMG to avoid accountability, but we have every confidence that this case will proceed and continue to uncover UMG’s long history of endangering, abusing and taking advantage of its artists.”
Lamar released “Not Like Us” last May amid a high-profile beef with Drake that saw the two stars release a series of bruising diss tracks. The song, a knockout punch that blasted Drake as a “certified pedophile” over an infectious beat, eventually became a chart-topping hit in its own right and was the centerpiece of Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show.
In January, Drake took the unusual step of suing UMG over the song, claiming the label had defamed him by boosting the track’s popularity. The lawsuit, which doesn’t name Lamar himself as a defendant, alleges that UMG “waged a campaign” against its own artist to spread a “malicious narrative” about pedophilia that it knew to be false.
But in Monday’s response, UMG says the lyrics to Lamar’s song are clearly the kind of free speech that are shielded from defamation lawsuits by the First Amendment. The song contains over-the-top insults, the company argued, but so do all such tracks, including those by Drake.
“Diss tracks are a popular and celebrated artform centered around outrageous insults, and they would be severely chilled if Drake’s suit were permitted to proceed,” the company wrote. “Hyperbolic and metaphorical language is par for the course in diss tracks — indeed, Drake’s own diss tracks employed imagery at least as violent.”
In technical terms, UMG is arguing that Lamar’s lyrics are either “rhetorical hyperbole” or opinion — the kind of statements that might sound bad but cannot actually be proven false. Since defamation only covers false assertions of fact, statements of hyperbole and opinion can’t form the basis for such lawsuits.
To make that point, UMG cites Drake’s own public support for a 2022 petition criticizing prosecutors for using rap lyrics as evidence in criminal cases. That letter, also signed by Megan Thee Stallion, 21 Savage and many other stars, criticized prosecutors for treating lyrics as literal statements of fact.
“As Drake recognized, when it comes to rap, ‘the final work is a product of the artist’s vision and imagination’,” UMG’s lawyers write. “Drake was right then and is wrong now. The complaint’s unjustified claims against UMG are no more than Drake’s attempt to save face for his unsuccessful rap battle with Lamar. The court should grant UMG’s motion and dismiss the complaint with prejudice.”
Drake’s attorneys will file a court response to UMG’s motion in the weeks ahead, and the judge will rule on the motion at some point in the next few months. If denied, the case will move ahead into discovery and toward an eventual trial.
Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge delivered an update on the company’s response to the Los Angeles wildfires on Tuesday, writing in a staff memo obtained by Billboard that while many evacuated employees have returned home, others remain displaced, while some have “lost their homes completely.”
Grainge said the Santa Monica-based company is actively supporting affected employees by providing resources to meet both immediate and long-term needs. Over 100 employees have volunteered to help colleagues through various means, such as offering shelter, babysitting and donating clothes, he said.
Beyond internal support, UMG has been involved in community relief efforts, including volunteering, providing meals and donating clothing and hotel rooms for displaced families. Additionally, Grainge said UMG has made financial contributions to several organizations supporting relief efforts, including the American Red Cross, California Community Foundation, The California Fire Foundation, Direct Relief, Entertainment Industry Foundation, L.A. Regional Food Bank, MusiCares, Music Health Alliance, Mutual AID Network L.A., Pasadena Humane Society and World Central Kitchen, among others.
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“What has impressed me the most throughout this tragic event is the fact that collectively we haven’t just made financial contributions, but so many of our colleagues have rolled up their sleeves and gone to work,” he said. “We know that even after every fire is extinguished the road to recovery will be very long. We will be there every step of the way.”
UMG announced earlier this month that it is canceling all of the company’s Grammy-related events, including its artist showcase and after-Grammy party, and will instead “redirect the resources that would have been used for those events to assist those affected by the wildfires.”
Read Grainge’s full memo below:
Dear Colleagues,
I’m writing to update you on our efforts related to the Los Angeles fires. In short, while many of our evacuated employees have fortunately been able to return to their homes, others who are in the most seriously affected areas remain displaced and will be so for some time to come. Some have lost their homes entirely.
We are working closely with those affected employees, providing them a range of resources and support to meet their immediate individual or family needs. Following meetings with the team of UMG leaders that I mentioned in my prior note, we are also determining the best ways to help these employees going forward. And in addition to the company’s support, more than 100 employees have volunteered to help their colleagues—from opening their homes to babysitting, dog walking, donating clothes, and more.
In terms of recovery of the broader community, from Day One we’ve been on the ground helping wherever we can. Whether it’s volunteering at relief organizations, providing meals to first responders and affected community members, donating clothing or providing hotel rooms to displaced families.
And in addition to all this, we’ve made financial contributions to a range of organizations, including the American Red Cross, California Community Foundation, The California Fire Foundation, Direct Relief, Entertainment Industry Foundation, L.A. Regional Food Bank, MusiCares, Music Health Alliance, Mutual AID Network L.A., Pasadena Humane Society, World Central Kitchen, and more.
What has impressed me the most throughout this tragic event is the fact that collectively we haven’t just made financial contributions, but so many of our colleagues have rolled up their sleeves and gone to work.
We know that even after every fire is extinguished the road to recovery will be very long. We will be there every step of the way.
You can read more about these efforts in our latest edition of our All Together Now bi-weekly newsletter.
I’m so enormously proud of the fact that so many of you have shown up to help our community and your colleagues. I’m grateful but not surprised. As a company, this is who we are.
Lucian