Drake is pressing ahead in his legal fight with Universal Music Group (UMG). On October 29, the Canadian rapper filed a notice of appeal. Earlier this month, a federal judge dismissed his defamation lawsuit. The case centers on UMG’s promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us, one of 2024’s most explosive releases.
Origins of the Lawsuit
Drake first sued in January 2025. He argued that UMG promoted Not Like Us while knowing the lyrics falsely accused him of misconduct. The track, released on May 4, 2024, fueled the rappers’ feud and quickly dominated charts worldwide. Judge Jeannette Vargas dismissed the case on October 9. She ruled that Lamar’s lyrics counted as protected opinion within the context of a rap battle. Moreover, she stressed that diss tracks must be understood as part of an ongoing exchange, not as isolated claims.
In addition to defamation, Drake accused UMG of harassment and deceptive practices. He claimed the company used bots and payola to inflate the song’s reach. However, the court rejected those arguments, citing a lack of evidence. As a result, UMG celebrated the ruling and called the lawsuit “an affront to all artists and their creative expression.” Drake’s team quickly promised an appeal, and his latest filing makes good on that pledge.
What Comes Next
The appeal now moves to the Second Circuit. That process often takes months. Therefore, the case could stretch into 2026. Meanwhile, Not Like Us continues to thrive. The track has earned over 1.7 billion Spotify streams. It also won Record of the Year at the Grammys and reached 133 million viewers during the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Furthermore, Judge Vargas described the feud as “perhaps the most infamous rap battle in the genre’s history.”
Ultimately, Drake’s decision to appeal highlights his determination to defend his reputation and challenge UMG’s role in the song’s success. The outcome could influence how courts balance artistic freedom, personal reputation, and corporate influence in the music industry. For now, the battle shifts from the recording booth to the courtroom, with both sides preparing for a long fight.
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