The legal battle over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track "Not Like Us" takes a critical turn with oral arguments scheduled before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals on December 4.
- September 25, 2026
AceShowbiz - The legal battle over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track "Not Like Us" takes a critical turn with oral arguments scheduled before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals on December 4. A three-judge panel will hear from both Drake and Universal Music Group (UMG) to determine whether Drake’s defamation lawsuit should move forward.
Drake initially filed the lawsuit against UMG in January 2025, accusing the label of defaming him by releasing and promoting "Not Like Us," which contained disparaging claims aimed at him. The lawsuit notably did not name Kendrick Lamar as a defendant. In October 2025, a federal judge dismissed the case, ruling that the song’s lyrics were protected opinions typical of rap diss tracks and not meant to be taken as factual statements. The judge concluded that fans would recognize the exaggerated nature of the lyrics, shielding them from defamation claims.
On appeal, Drake’s legal team argues that many listeners interpreted the song as conveying actual defamatory facts, leading to widespread misunderstanding and harm to his reputation. UMG counters that the lawsuit threatens to undermine artistic expression in hip-hop by treating diss tracks as literal accusations rather than opinionated performances. The label also claims the suit is motivated by Drake’s loss in the rap feud rather than any genuine legal grievance.
Drake is a Canadian rapper and actor known for his impactful music career and high-profile collaborations. This lawsuit follows a notable series of diss tracks exchanged between him and Kendrick Lamar, with "Not Like Us" released in May 2024. The track earned critical acclaim, winning five Grammy Awards and featuring prominently in Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show.
This appellate hearing could set a significant precedent for how defamation law applies to rap diss tracks, balancing artistic freedom against the potential for reputational harm. The court’s decision will clarify whether exaggerated lyrical insults can be grounds for legal action or remain protected as expressive opinions in music culture.
