Drake's appeal against Universal Music Group set for December court date

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has scheduled oral arguments for December 4 in Drake’s appeal against Universal Music Group (UMG). The legal battle stems from Drake’s January 2025 lawsuit, in which he accused UMG of knowingly promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, ‘Not Like Us’, which he claims contains false and defamatory content intended to devalue his brand.

In October 2025, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas dismissed the case, ruling that the lyrics constituted nonactionable opinion within the context of a rap battle. Drake’s legal team is appealing this decision, arguing that dismissing the case sets a precedent that rap lyrics can never be defamatory, regardless of how specific or damaging the claims may be.

UMG maintains that the lower court's ruling was correct, framing the lyrics as rhetorical hyperbole and artistic expression essential to the genre. A three-judge panel will hear the arguments to determine whether the dismissal should be upheld or if the lawsuit should be revived.