Universal Music Group Challenges Drake’s Defamation Appeal
Universal Music Group (UMG) has formally responded to Drake’s ongoing efforts to revive his defamation lawsuit concerning Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping diss track, “Not Like Us.” The music conglomerate is pushing back against the rapper’s legal challenge, arguing that the court’s previous decision to dismiss the case was correct and that overturning it would set a dangerous precedent for the hip-hop genre.
The legal dispute stems from the high-profile 2024 rap battle between the two titans. In the track “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar leveled serious allegations against Drake, including the claim that he is a “certified pedophile.” Drake’s initial lawsuit, which targeted UMG rather than Lamar directly, alleged that the label’s distribution of the song caused significant reputational damage by leading the public to believe the accusations were factual.
The Argument for Artistic Expression
In their latest filing, UMG’s legal team emphasized that the lyrics in question are protected under the umbrella of artistic expression. They contend that “Not Like Us” is a quintessential example of hip-hop’s tradition of “inflammatory putdowns, epithets, fiery rhetoric, vulgarity and hyperbole.” By attempting to isolate specific lyrics from the broader context of a rap battle, UMG argues that Drake is ignoring the fundamental nature of the art form.
The label further asserted that reinstating the lawsuit would “critically undermine” the creative freedom inherent in hip-hop. According to the filing, the “pedophile” lyric was merely a rhetorical response to Drake’s own aggressive claims against Lamar, which included allegations regarding Lamar’s personal life and family. UMG maintains that these exchanges are part of a competitive, non-literal dialogue that audiences understand as part of the sport of rap.
Legal Precedent and Future Implications
The original lawsuit was dismissed in October 2025, with the presiding judge ruling that Lamar’s lyrics constituted “nonactionable opinion” rather than statements of fact. UMG’s current filing reinforces this stance, stating that Drake’s attempt to litigate these lyrics lacks support in governing law. The conglomerate is urging the appeals court to uphold the dismissal, arguing that the suit is an attempt to weaponize the legal system against the conventions of rap music.
As the case moves toward oral arguments in the coming months, the industry is watching closely. A ruling, expected sometime next year, could have lasting implications for how labels and artists navigate the legal risks associated with diss tracks and lyrical content. For now, the battle has shifted from the recording booth to the courtroom, with UMG standing firm in its defense of the song’s place in the cultural landscape.