Drake's Mod Selection Partner Sues Distributor Over "Racial Bigotry"

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Drake's partner at Mod Selection accuses its distributor of racial discrimination for treating their luxurious liquor line as a cheap product.

Drake has the rap game on lock but he also has his hands in everything from fashion to food. Drake's brand is one that represents opulence and luxury yet it seems that the rapper's partner at Mod Champagne believes that their distributor didn't treat their product as such.

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According to TMZ, Mod Selection is filing a lawsuit against wine retailer Total Wine & More on allegations that they conspired against their champagne with distributor Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits to cheapen the champagne brand. Drake's partner who filed the suit claims Southern's practices were exemplary of "racial bigotry" in the wine industry. Mod's lawsuit against Southern claims they had struck an agreement in 2018 but the distributor failed to market the product as a high-end brand but rather, a cheap rapper-endorsed product.

Drake isn't directly involved with the lawsuit. He's described as both an investor and a brand ambassador who allowed the company to use his name, image, and likeness. However, Southern Glazer allegedly ruined the relationship once they "repeatedly subjected [Drake] to browbeating and dismissive treatment." Mod claims Southern marketed their product as a "Black" or "Rapper's" champagne which the lawyer for the alcohol brand claimed led to text messages from Drake calling the brand out. 

The partnership ultimately ended in 2019 after a tumultuous year of their business dealings. Unfortunately, to add salt to injury, bottles of Mod Selection were being marketed for $49 - $149 when they should've been upwards of $300 - $400. 

Drake's lawyer Larry Stein told TMZ that he isn't aware of angry texts sent from his client to Mod. However, Stein stated that Drizzy's involved in all negotiations, nor did he have any idea of the lawsuit. Stein clarified that Drake isn't involved in the suit and never thought racial discrimination was involved. 


About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.
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