Drake’s Legal Team Claims Millions Believe Defamatory Allegations in UMG Backed “Not Like Us”

Drake’s feud with Kendrick Lamar has officially left the charts and entered the courtroom. As the lyrical war between the rap titans continues to dominate headlines, Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit targeting Universal Music Group (UMG) over the distribution and promotion of Kendrick’s diss track “Not Like Us.” Now, the 6 God’s legal team is pushing back against UMG’s attempt to dismiss the case, arguing the damage done is far from speculative.

Drake’s attorney, Michael J. Gottlieb, has accused UMG of publishing and distributing false and defamatory content that portrayed Drake as a pedophile, a claim made explicitly in “Not Like Us.” Gottlieb asserts that the lyrics were not understood as artistic opinion or satire, but as factual accusations by millions of listeners.

In a detailed 35-page court filing shared by the popular legal commentary account OVO Docket on X, Gottlieb criticizes UMG for downplaying public reaction. UMG claimed the suit relied only on “subjective opinions from a handful of people.” Drake’s team, however, argues that public belief in the lyrics was widespread and crucial to the defamation claim.

“The Amended Complaint plausibly alleges that millions, not a ‘handful,’ of people understood the lyrics as factual,” Gottlieb wrote. “At this stage, the Court must make all reasonable inferences in Drake’s favor—not UMG’s.”

Using online commentary, press coverage, and podcast discussions, Drake’s filing points to real-world examples where fans and media took Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics seriously. UMG, in response, dismissed such evidence as unreliable, noting that many posts included slang, emojis, and came from anonymous users. Michael J. Gottlieb wasn’t having it.

“Using ‘slang’ and ‘emojis’ in pop culture discussions is hardly unusual,” the filing notes. “UMG offers no authority suggesting the court should ignore these examples.”

This legal escalation comes as Drake continues to juggle his music career. He recently dropped the $ome $exy $ongs 4 U collaborative album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, and announced his highly anticipated solo project Iceman. Adding to the momentum, Drake confirmed the return of his OVO Fest this summer in Toronto, inviting UK star Central Cee to join the lineup during the rapper’s sold-out show.

Meanwhile, Drizzy continues to dominate music milestones, recently breaking the RIAA record for most Diamond-certified songs by a single artist. His catalog now boasts 10 Diamond plaques, including “God’s Plan,” “One Dance,” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home.”

Drake Makes History With 10 RIAA Diamond Singles — Most of Any Artist Ever

Despite the accolades, Drake’s UMG lawsuit has sparked fierce debate online. Some fans view the case as a necessary stand against slander disguised as lyricism. Others see it as an overreach in a genre where personal attacks have long been part of the game.

Hearings have yet to be scheduled, but discovery and depositions are set through February 2026. One thing’s for sure—Drake isn’t letting this one slide.