Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a motion to dismiss Drake’s defamation lawsuit, which stems from Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” UMG argues that Drake voluntarily engaged in a rap battle with Lamar, and therefore, he should accept the outcome of the lyrical conflict rather than resort to legal action. The company further stresses that diss tracks are a well-established part of rap culture, often filled with exaggerated insults that are not meant to be taken literally.
The lawsuit was filed in January 2025 after Lamar’s track accused Drake of being a “certified pedophile,” leading to public backlash. UMG’s motion suggests that Drake’s own history of releasing diss tracks against Lamar shows a pattern of provocation between the two artists.
Drake’s attorney, Michael J. Gottlieb, condemned UMG’s attempt to dismiss the case, arguing that the lawsuit is valid and aims to hold UMG accountable for allegedly profiting from defamatory content. The legal battle between the two artists has escalated since March 2024, when the feud became more intense with the release of several diss tracks.
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York is currently reviewing UMG’s motion to dismiss, and the decision could have significant implications for how artist disputes are handled in the music industry, particularly regarding the legal boundaries of lyrical content.
