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Compton Today
By the People, for the People
UMG Defends 'Not Like Us' Lyrics in Drake Defamation Appeal
Music label says Drake's claims have 'no support in governing law' for rap's 'exaggeration and wordplay'
Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:37pm
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Universal Music Group has responded to Drake's appeal of his defamation lawsuit, arguing that the lyrics in Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' are protected as non-actionable opinion and exaggeration within the rap genre. UMG says Drake's attempt to treat the lyrics as factual would 'critically undermine' the creative art form of rap.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing tension between artistic expression in rap music and legal claims of defamation. UMG is defending the creative license of rappers to use inflammatory language, insults, and hyperbole as part of the genre, even when those lyrics may be interpreted as factual by some listeners.
The details
In its response, UMG said Drake's view 'would critically undermine a highly creative art form built on exaggeration, insult, and wordplay.' The music label also pointed out that in his own diss tracks, Drake has accused Kendrick Lamar of physically abusing his girlfriend and raising a child that wasn't his. UMG argued that 'Not Like Us' falls within the typical genre of 'inflammatory putdowns, epithets, fiery rhetoric, vulgarity, and hyperbole' in rap.
- In October 2025, a judge dismissed Drake's initial defamation lawsuit against UMG over the 'Not Like Us' lyrics.
- In January 2026, Drake filed an appeal, arguing the lyrics caused people to believe he was a pedophile.
- On March 27, 2026, UMG issued its response to Drake's appeal.
The players
Universal Music Group
The major record label that released Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' that is at the center of Drake's defamation lawsuit.
Drake
The Canadian rapper who is suing UMG for defamation over the lyrics in Lamar's 'Not Like Us' that he claims falsely portrayed him as a pedophile.
Kendrick Lamar
The Compton-based rapper whose diss track 'Not Like Us' included lyrics that Drake claims were defamatory.
Judge Jeannette A. Vargas
The judge who dismissed Drake's initial defamation lawsuit against UMG in October 2025, ruling that Lamar's lyrics were 'non-actionable opinion' rather than factual statements.
What they’re saying
“'[Drake] seeks to strip words from their context and deem them actionable defamation if anyone, anywhere, might treat them as factual.'”
— UMG's lawyers
“'That is not the law, and Drake's view would critically undermine a highly creative art form built on exaggeration, insult, and wordplay.'”
— UMG's lawyers
“'Millions of people understood ['Not Like Us'] to convey factual information, causing countless individuals around the globe to believe that Drake was a pedophile.'”
— Drake's attorneys
What’s next
The judge overseeing Drake's appeal will now consider UMG's arguments as they decide whether to uphold the previous dismissal of the defamation lawsuit.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing legal tensions between artistic expression in rap music and claims of defamation, with UMG defending the genre's use of exaggeration, insults, and wordplay as protected speech even when some listeners may interpret the lyrics as factual.
