Drake appeals dismissal of Kendrick Lamar's ‘Not Like Us’ defamation lawsuit; calls ruling a ‘dangerous’ rule for rap

Drake has decided to take his legal fight in 'Not Like Us' song one step further. Recent reports say that he has filed an appeal after a judge earlier dismissed his defamation lawsuit. Drake believes the song damaged his name and put his safety at risk.




The song came out in May 2024. It was released during a very public fight between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. In the song, Kendrick used very strong words against Drake. One line called Drake a “certified pedophile” and said he should be “placed on neighborhood watch.” Drake says these lines crossed a serious line.


PEOPLE reported that Drake did not sue Kendrick Lamar directly. Instead he sued Universal Music Group. Drake claimed the label released and promoted the song even though the lyrics were harmful. He also said the song was pushed in a way that made it go viral.

Why the judge dismissed the case

In October 2025 a judge in New York dismissed Drake’s lawsuit. The judge Jeannette Vargas reportedly said the song was not defamatory and explained that the song was part of a heated rap battle.


Jeannette said, “The recording was published as part of a heated public feud, in which both participants exchanged progressively caustic, inflammatory insults and accusations.” She also added, “This is precisely the type of context in which an audience may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric, or hyperbole rather than factual assertions.”


The court felt that a reasonable listener would not believe the lyrics were proven facts. That ruling ended the case at that time.

Why Drake is appealing now

Drake is not ready to accept that decision. In new court papers filed on Wednesday (January 21) his lawyers called the ruling “dangerous.” They argue that the judge’s decision creates a risky rule.


The appeal papers say, “The court effectively created an unprecedented and overbroad categorical rule that statements in rap diss tracks can never constitute statements of fact.”


Drake’s lawyer (Michael J. Gottlieb) said many people believed the song was true. He argued that this belief hurt Drake’s image around the world. He also said calling someone a “certified pedophile” is one of the most serious accusations possible and can put a person in real danger.


He wrote, “If rap diss tracks cannot contain statements of fact, then they are inoculated from any liability for defamation--no matter how direct and damaging the defamatory statements they contain. This case illustrates that.”

Public reaction and what happens next

'Not Like Us' continues to trend. Many listeners clearly linked the song to Drake. Online reactions were loud and direct. One comment said, “bro made a whole music video about calling drake a pedophile. Absolute king..” Another read, “Crazy to live in a world where a judge might have to watch this as evidence.”


Some comments focused on the lyrics and visuals. One wrote, “playing hopscotch while singing ‘A-MINORRRRR’ is CRAZY.” Another added, “Hey drake I aint a bot and I keep streaming this, it's 2026 and u still not like us.”


Drake’s team says they will continue the fight. A representative said, “We intend to appeal today's ruling, and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing it.” Lawyers for Universal Music Group have until March 27 to respond.

Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on a legal hearing as reported by a third-party source. The details provided represent allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The case is ongoing, and a final verdict has not been reached. The publication does not claim that the allegations are true.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”