UMG Torches Drake’s Defamation Appeal Over ‘Not Like Us’

Photo Credit: Drake (Instagram)

UMG argues that any claims against Drake in Kendrick Lamar’s hit diss track “Not Like Us” are protected hyperbole in the context of a rap battle.

Drake’s appeal seeking to revive his lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s incendiary diss track “Not Like Us” hits a snag as the music giant argues the filing is an insult to the art of rap battles. According to court documents, UMG argues that Drake’s lawsuit would “critically undermine” the art of hip-hop just because he’s upset about losing the battle with Kendrick.

Drake’s initial complaint accused UMG—but not Kendrick—of defaming him by releasing the track, which called him a “certified pedophile.” In October, a judge dismissed the suit by ruling that no one assumes insults hurled during a rap battle are statements of fact.

But Drake appealed that ruling in February to try to get it overturned. However, UMG’s brief argues that there’s nothing to appeal because “Drake’s view would critically undermine a highly creative art form built on exaggeration, insult, and wordplay.”

In his appeal, Drake and his legal team argued that “millions” of people took Kendrick Lamar’s diss literally, with “countess individuals around the globe” now believing that “Drake was a pedophile.” But UMG says just because the rapper is salty he seemingly lost the battle against Kendrick, and just because he doesn’t like some of the lyrics, “that is not the law.”

“‘Not Like Us’ falls within a genre typified by inflammatory putdowns, epithets, fiery rhetoric, vulgarity, and hyperbole,” wrote UMG’s attorneys. “Drake’s attempt to rip the words he now dislikes from their immediate and broader context has no support in governing law.”

The case is still due to be argued before the appeals court in the coming months, and a ruling is expected next year. But it seems doubtful that Drake’s case against the music giant will hold any water between then and now.