The intense legal clash between Drake and Universal Music Group (UMG) has taken a pivotal turn.

Recent reports reveal that a California judge has authorized Drake’s request to subpoena Kojo Menne Asamoah, a crucial witness, potentially giving him an edge in his escalating lawsuit against the record label. This ruling may enable Drake to secure testimony and gain access to essential documents tied to the heart of his claims.

The dispute traces back to a breach-of-contract lawsuit Drake filed against UMG in 2024. He accuses the label of falsely promoting Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” as a major hit and funneling additional resources to amplify the song despite unfounded allegations. Furthermore, Drake is pursuing defamation charges linked to the diss track under UMG’s presumed guidance.

Drake claims Asamoah holds relevant information and documentation central to proving violations of New York General Business Law. According to Drake’s legal team, Asamoah allegedly played a role in organizing covert payments or financial incentives on behalf of UMG executive Ramon Alvarez-Smikle.

The motion submitted by Drake’s attorneys states, “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.”

This development suggests that Drake is intensifying his efforts to uncover information critical to his case, signaling that the heated battle between the artist and UMG is far from over.

📣 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