UMG Calls Drake a 'Sore Loser' Over Dismissed 'Not Like Us' Lawsuit

Universal Music Group argues Drake's appeal is an 'affront to all artists' and their creative expression.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:51pm

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An abstract, minimalist composition using bold, jagged shapes in red, black, and white to convey the conceptual energy of a heated rap battle without depicting any specific individuals or lyrics.A conceptual illustration capturing the intensity and creative expression of a high-profile rap feud.Los Angeles Today

Universal Music Group (UMG) is pushing back against Drake's appeal of the dismissal of his lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us.' UMG claims Drake is acting like a 'sore loser' and that his lawsuit 'never should have seen the light of day' as it attempts to 'critically undermine' hip-hop's creative expression. The court previously ruled that the 'heated rap battle' context precluded the lyrics from being seen as factual claims.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tension between artistic expression and defamation claims, particularly in the realm of hip-hop where insults and exaggeration are common. UMG's strong response suggests they are determined to protect the creative freedom of their artists, even high-profile ones like Drake, and prevent lawsuits that could set a 'dangerous precedent' limiting rap lyrics.

The details

In the original lawsuit, Drake claimed the lyrics of 'Not Like Us' defamed him by calling him a 'pedophile,' which he argued caused 'concrete reputational harms' and 'violent retaliation.' However, the court dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that in the context of a 'heated rap battle,' the lyrics would not be seen as stating verifiable facts. UMG is now arguing that Drake's appeal is an 'affront to all artists' and their creative expression, and that the lawsuit 'never should have seen the light of day.'

  • In October 2025, the lawsuit was dismissed by Judge Jeannette Vargas.
  • In March 2026, UMG filed a brief arguing against Drake's appeal of the dismissal.

The players

Universal Music Group (UMG)

The major record label that released Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' and is defending against Drake's lawsuit.

Drake

The Canadian rapper who filed the lawsuit claiming the lyrics of 'Not Like Us' defamed him by calling him a 'pedophile.'

Kendrick Lamar

The rapper who released the diss track 'Not Like Us' that sparked Drake's lawsuit.

Judge Jeannette Vargas

The judge who dismissed Drake's lawsuit in October 2025, ruling that the 'heated rap battle' context precluded the lyrics from being seen as factual claims.

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What’s next

The appeals court will decide whether to uphold the dismissal of Drake's lawsuit against UMG and Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' diss track.

The takeaway

This case highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and defamation claims in the hip-hop genre, where insults and exaggeration are common. UMG's strong defense of Kendrick Lamar's creative freedom suggests the music industry is willing to fight back against lawsuits that could set a dangerous precedent limiting rap lyrics.