Universal Music Group (UMG) has wasted no time clapping back at Drake’s defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s brutal diss track “Not Like Us,” calling it nothing more than a weak attempt to recover from a rap battle loss.
In a fiery motion filed Monday, UMG urged the court to dismiss the case, arguing that Drake, one of the most successful artists ever, willingly engaged in the rap beef but is now crying foul after taking the biggest L of his career.
“Drake Started the Fire, Now He’s Complaining About the Smoke”
UMG’s lawyers didn’t hold back, stating:
“Plaintiff, one of the most successful recording artists of all time, lost a rap battle that he provoked and in which he willingly participated. Instead of accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be, he has sued his own record label in a misguided attempt to salve his wounds.”
The company also pointed out that Drake had thrown just as many lyrical punches during the beef—accusing Lamar of domestic abuse and questioning his paternity—so it’s hypocritical for him to call foul now.
UMG Argues “Not Like Us” Is Protected Free Speech
UMG’s legal team argued that “Not Like Us”—which labeled Drake a “certified pedophile”—falls under protected free speech and rhetorical hyperbole, just like any diss track. The company warned that allowing the lawsuit to proceed could have a chilling effect on rap battles, where exaggerated insults are part of the culture.
“Diss tracks are a popular and celebrated artform centered around outrageous insults, and they would be severely chilled if Drake’s suit were permitted to proceed.”
UMG also took a direct shot at Drake’s hypocrisy, pointing out that he previously signed a petition against prosecutors using rap lyrics as evidence in criminal cases. Now, he’s arguing that Lamar’slyrics should be taken literally in court.
What’s Next?
With UMG standing firm, the ball is now in Drake’s court. His legal team is expected to respond in the coming weeks, but based on how this is playing out, it looks like the rap beef isn’t over—it’s just moved from the mic to the courtroom.
