Universal Music Group Defends Against Drake's Defamation Appeal Over Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us"

Universal Music Group (UMG) is contesting Drake's appeal to revive his defamation lawsuit against the label concerning Kendrick Lamar's track "Not Like Us." Filed in the Second Circuit, UMG's 83-page brief argues that Drake's claims are flawed and hypocritical, asserting that the lyrics in question are nonactionable opinions rather than factual statements. U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas previously dismissed Drake's lawsuit in October 2025, determining that Lamar's lyrics, which include the phrase "certified lover boy, certified pedophile," were hyperbolic and not meant to be taken literally.

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The conflict escalated following a series of diss tracks exchanged between Drake and Lamar, beginning with Drake's "Family Matters," which accused Lamar of domestic abuse. Lamar's response included "Meet the Grahams" and "Not Like Us," which became a viral sensation. UMG argues that the lyrics were part of a creative dialogue typical in rap battles, where exaggeration and insult are commonplace.

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UMG contends that Drake's appeal mischaracterizes the nature of the court's ruling, emphasizing that the judge recognized the context of diss tracks in hip-hop. The label's brief states, “Drake seeks to strip words from their context and deem them actionable defamation if anyone, anywhere, might treat them as factual.” UMG maintains that accepting Drake's argument would undermine the artistic expression inherent in rap music, which often employs hyperbole and wordplay.

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In his appeal, Drake argues that Lamar's lyrics convey a "precise" and "unambiguous matter of fact" about him being a pedophile, claiming that UMG promoted the song despite knowing its falsehood. He asserts that the dismissal of his lawsuit could set a dangerous precedent, shielding artists and labels from liability for extreme accusations. Drake's legal team argues that millions interpreted the lyrics literally, leading to significant reputational harm.

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Critics within the music industry have ridiculed Drake's decision to sue UMG, suggesting that it is an unusual response to a diss track. UMG's filing highlights this sentiment, stating, “Plaintiff, one of the most successful recording artists of all time, lost a rap battle that he provoked and in which he willingly participated.” The label argues that instead of accepting the outcome, Drake is attempting to mitigate his perceived loss through legal means.

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The legal proceedings are ongoing, with Drake expected to submit a reply brief by April 17, 2025. The appeals court is anticipated to hear arguments in the coming months, with a ruling expected within the year. This case raises significant questions about the boundaries of artistic expression in hip-hop and the legal implications of lyrical content.

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• “[Drake] seeks to strip words from their context and deem them actionable defamation if anyone, anywhere, might treat them as factual.” — UMG Attorneys

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• “The issue in this case is whether ‘Not Like Us’ can reasonably be understood to convey as a factual matter that Drake is a pedophile or that he has engaged in sexual relations with minors,” — Judge Jeannette A. Vargas

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• “Drake’s argument is also astoundingly hypocritical,” — UMG Attorneys

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• “Millions of people understood [‘Not Like Us’] to convey factual information, causing countless individuals around the globe to believe that Drake was a pedophile.” — Drake's Legal Team

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This ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities of defamation law as it intersects with artistic expression in the music industry.

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