Drake has officially filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” which dropped in 2025…
—Kendrick Lamar was hit with major legal news today:
Drake has officially filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” which dropped in May 2024. In a formal complaint submitted today, Drake’s legal team alleges the song makes a false, malicious accusation by labeling him a pedophile. The airing of that charge—widely circulated and even showcased in Super Bowl performances—has prompted Drake to seek damages, claiming the label has severely harmed his reputation (as.com, reddit.com).
🧾 What’s Going On
- Legal Target: The lawsuit is directed at Universal, rather than Lamar himself. Drake contends that UMG substantially promoted “Not Like Us” as a mainstream anthem—not just another beef track—potentially amplifying the alleged defamation’s harm .
- Nature of the Accusation: Drake’s attorneys argue the lyric in question crosses the line from artistic expression into a verifiably false defamatory statement. Their assertion: it wasn’t metaphor—it was perceived as a literal claim .
- Universal’s Defense: In response, UMG’s legal team contends that the song should be understood within the context of a longstanding rap feud, not taken as a factual claim. They argue it falls under artistic license and lyrical hyperbole (as.com).
Why It Matters
- Precedent in Hip-Hop: This case marks a major escalation in the Drake–Kendrick feud, introducing real-world legal consequences into a rivalry traditionally confined to music and media.
- Art vs. Defamation: A court ruling could shape the future of creative expression in hip‑hop and beyond. Will fiery diss tracks become subject to legal scrutiny for their literal interpretations?
- Reputation & Stakes: Drake’s team claims serious harm to his image. If successful, this lawsuit could result in significant financial compensation and set a precedent for other artists to pursue legal action over lyrical content.
What Happens Next
- Discovery Phase: Drake has been granted permission to pursue discovery against Universal, meaning he can now gather internal records, marketing strategies, and communications tied to the song’s promotion .
- Legal Timeline: As with most defamation suits, the case will proceed through pre-trial motions, evidence gathering, and possibly a trial unless a settlement occurs.
- Cultural Ripple Effects: Both artists are cultural heavyweights, and the outcome could influence music industry norms, especially around accountability in diss lyrics.
In short, what began as one of rap’s most fiery battles has now spilled into the courtroom, with Drake suing UMG—on behalf of himself—for publicly damaging allegations. This case sits at a fascinating crossroads of artistic freedom, public discourse, and potentially legal boundaries in music.
