Judge Approves Drake’s Subpoena of Key Witness in UMG Fight

Summary

• Drake’s legal team was granted a motion to subpoena Kojo Menne Asamoah in his UMG lawsuit
• The suit alleges UMG falsely promoted Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” and defamed Drake
• Drake’s team believes Asamoah has documents related to secretive UMG financial payments and incentives

The high-stakes legal battle between global superstar Drake and his label, Universal Music Group (UMG), has taken a significant turn. A California judge has reportedly approved Drake’s request to subpoena a key witness, Kojo Menne Asamoah, granting him a critical advantage in his ongoing lawsuit against the music giant. This move could provide Drake with a legal pathway to compel testimony and access documents that are central to his case.

The dispute stems from a breach-of-contract lawsuit filed by Drake against UMG in 2024. He alleges that the “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar was falsely presented as a hit bu the label and that UMG used additional resources to amplify the song, despite false allegations. Drake is suing UMG for defamation over the diss track.

Drake alleges that Asamoah’s involvement includes his access and “possession of relevant documents and information for the Violation of New York General Business Law.” Drake’s team believe Asamoah allegedly coordinated secretive payments and/or financial incentives on behalf of UMG executive Ramon Alvarez-Smikle. The motion explains, “Plaintiff now requests that he be permitted to send the Subpoena both by certified mail and to affix the Subpoena to the doors at the five physical addresses believed to be associated with Mr. Asamoah, his family, and his business. Further, Plaintiff asks to send the Subpoena by email to three email addresses connected to Mr. Asamoah and his business ventures. Plaintiff’s counsel confirms that these email addresses remain operative.”

📣 Update
Judge Jeannette A. Vargas has GRANTED Drake’s legal team’s motion to serve Kojo Menne Asamoah with a subpoena through alternative means.

Drake’s legal team was unable to serve Kojo with the subpoena through traditional means. Kojo is believed to be in possession of… pic.twitter.com/rOgLxheVw3

— The OVO Docket (@OVODocket) August 6, 2025