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2 clusters · 8 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Drake legal dispute with Universal Music Group

Overview

Rapper Drake is appealing a dismissal of his lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) regarding the promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, ‘Not Like Us’. Drake alleges the track contains defamatory content and that UMG’s actions were intended to devalue his brand and weaken his leverage in future contract negotiations.

In October 2025, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas dismissed the case, ruling that the lyrics in question constituted nonactionable opinion within the context of a rap battle. Drake’s legal team is challenging this, arguing that the dismissal establishes a ‘dangerous categorical rule’ by suggesting that statements in rap diss tracks cannot constitute actionable facts.

UMG maintains that the lyrics are rhetorical hyperbole and artistic expression. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has scheduled oral arguments for December 4, 2026, to determine whether the dismissal should be upheld or the lawsuit revived.

Entities

Kendrick Lamar · U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit · Drake · Universal Music Group

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Drake's appeal against Universal Music Group set for December court date

    The U.S. Court of Appeals has set December 4 for oral arguments in Drake’s appeal against Universal Music Group regarding the defamatory nature of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’.

  2. [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Drake appeal against Universal Music Group set for December oral arguments

    Drake’s appeal against Universal Music Group regarding the promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ is set for oral arguments on December 4, 2026, before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Sources

92q.com · billboard.com · complex.com · creebhills.com · dancehallmag.com · kysdc.com · thatgrapejuice.net · worldmusicviews.com