Drake Appeals Court Ruling in UMG Defamation Case Over Kendrick Lamar Diss Track

Drake isn’t done fighting. The rapper has filed an appeal after a federal judge dismissed his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), pulling his long-running dispute with Kendrick Lamar back into the spotlight.

The issue traces back to Not Like Us, Lamar’s explosive track released in May 2024 during their very public rivalry. The song dominated streaming platforms, sparked endless debate online, and became a cultural lightning rod. But behind the viral success was a line that Drake’s lawyers say went too far. They claim it falsely painted him as something he’s not, damaging both his reputation and his brand.

Drake – Instagram

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas threw out the suit, finding that Lamar’s lyrics were part of rap’s long-standing battle tradition: provocative, exaggerated, and not meant to be read as literal fact. In her ruling, the judge said the track was “non-actionable opinion,” meaning it fell under the umbrella of artistic expression.

Drake – Instagram

Drake’s legal team disagrees. The newly filed appeal asks a Manhattan court to decide whether UMG’s involvement in distributing and promoting the song could make the label responsible for amplifying defamatory claims. It is an unusual argument, one that questions how much accountability major labels carry for the content they release when personal attacks reach a massive audience.

Drake – Instagram

UMG has maintained its position, saying Drake’s complaint misrepresents how rap culture operates. Diss tracks, the label argues, have always lived in a space of creative combat where bravado and exaggeration are part of the game. But Drake’s latest move points to something deeper: a belief that the old boundaries no longer fit the modern music landscape where streaming turns every feud into a global headline.

If he wins, the outcome could set a major precedent, not just for artists but for the business that profits from their rivalries. For Drake, this is no longer just about a song. It is about control, reputation, and how far the industry will go in the name of entertainment.