And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan And The Update Is… Rap Lyrics Banned in Court, AI Deals Stalling, and a $64B UMG Bombshell
Apr 10, 2026
Billions on the table as a seismic $64B bid for a major music company shakes up valuation debates. A new Maryland law shields rap lyrics from courtroom use, altering legal strategies. AI music deals hit a snag as licensing concerns stall major label talks. Ticket resale gets a face-value overhaul to fight scalpers and bots.
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Maryland Bans Rap Lyrics In Court
- Maryland passed the Rap Act making it illegal for prosecutors to use rap lyrics against defendants.
- Ross Golan noted this could prompt a federal law and credited Dina LaPolt and her team for pushing it forward.
$64B Bid Suggests UMG Is Undervalued
- Pershing Square submitted a $64 billion bid for Universal Music Group, signaling UMG may be undervalued despite strong performance.
- Golan framed this as investors treating parts of the music business as distressed assets and called it fascinating to watch.
Plan For Widespread Quiet AI Adoption
- Expect AI adoption to be widespread even when companies or users don't openly admit it, likening it to Ozempic usage.
- Golan implies stakeholders should plan for broad, sometimes covert, AI use across the industry.