Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a motion to dismiss Drake’s defamation lawsuit concerning Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.” In the motion, UMG characterizes Drake’s legal action as a “misguided attempt” to recover from losing a rap battle he initiated.
The dispute traces back to March 2024, when Lamar released “Not Like Us,” a track that includes incendiary lyrics accusing Drake of inappropriate conduct. Drake’s lawsuit, filed in January 2025, alleges that UMG defamed him by promoting and distributing the track, thereby endorsing its harmful content.
UMG’s legal team argues that diss tracks are a recognized aspect of rap culture, characterized by hyperbolic insults rather than factual assertions. They assert that “Not Like Us” falls within this tradition, conveying “nonactionable opinion and rhetorical hyperbole.” The motion emphasizes that allowing Drake’s lawsuit to proceed could set a precedent that threatens the creative freedom inherent in the genre.
Furthermore, UMG highlights Drake’s prior stance against using rap lyrics as evidence in legal proceedings, noting his support for a 2022 petition opposing such practices. They argue that his current position contradicts his earlier advocacy for artistic expression.
Drake’s attorney, Michael J. Gottlieb, counters that UMG’s motion aims to divert attention from the company’s alleged misconduct. He maintains that UMG should be held accountable for profiting from and promoting content that perpetuates dangerous misinformation.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case underscores the complex interplay between artistic expression and defamation within the music industry.
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