From Billboard · Bill Donahue · · 1m 10s
Drake Appeals 'Not Like Us' Lawsuit Court Date Set
Drake's court battle over Kendrick Lamar's diss track gets December hearing after appeal.
In brief
Drake's court battle over Kendrick Lamar's diss track gets December hearing after appeal. Drake's lawsuit against UMG over 'Not Like Us' being dismissed is being appealed for a December court date. Originally reported by Billboard.
Court Date Set
Drake and Universal Music Group set a December 4 court date for their lawsuit appeal over Kendrick Lamar’s 'Not Like Us' diss track.
“Drake accused umg of defaming him by releasing a song calling him a certified pedophile”
Lawsuit Background
Drake sued UMG in January 2025, claiming the label defamed him with false pedophilia accusations in the diss track.
“the lawsuit alleged umg spread a malicious narrative about pedophilia that it knew was false”
Initial Ruling
A federal judge dismissed Drake’s case, saying diss tracks use hyperbolic language and fans don’t take insults as literal facts.
“the judge ruled diss tracks are filled with hyperbolic language and fans didn’t take kendrick’s insults as literal statements of fact”
Appeal Argument
Drake’s lawyers claim millions understood the diss track as factual statements, believing he’s a pedophile.
“millions of people understood not like us to convey factual information causing countless individuals to believe drake was a pedophile”
UMG’s Counter
UMG argues Drake uses litigation to undermine hip-hop after losing a rap beef, calling the lawsuit dangerous.
“umg’s lawyers warned drake is using litigation to critically undermine the art of hip hop because he’s upset he lost a rap beef”
Next Steps
The Second Circuit will hear arguments on December 4, with a ruling expected after the hearing, possibly leading to a Supreme Court appeal.
“following the hearing the appellate judges will weigh the case and issue a ruling at some point after”
In short
Drake's lawsuit against UMG over 'Not Like Us' being dismissed is being appealed for a December court date.
