Drake UMG Appeal Over 'Not Like Us' Hearing Set

Wimauma residents tracking legal and music industry developments will note that Drake's challenge against Universal Music Group (UMG) regarding Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us" proceeds to a final hearing. Oral arguments are scheduled for December 4 before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. This hearing marks the last step before the court issues its decision.

The arguments follow months of written submissions from Drake's legal team and UMG. Drake filed a lawsuit in early 2025, accusing UMG of defamation, harassment, and deceptive business practices connected to Lamar's diss track. A judge dismissed Drake's lawsuit in October 2025, ruling that Lamar's lyrics constituted nonactionable opinion and not defamation.

Drake's legal team appealed the dismissal, arguing the original ruling could establish a broad precedent affecting future defamation cases involving rap artists and record labels. Their appeal contends the court created an "unprecedented and overbroad categorical rule that statements in rap diss tracks can never constitute statements of fact." They also expressed concern the dismissal could establish a "dangerous categorical rule" hindering individuals pursuing defamation claims against artists or labels.

External parties have also weighed in. The Floyd Abrams Institute for Freedom of Expression at Yale and constitutional law scholar Professor Lyrissa Lidsky submitted a brief supporting UMG. Additionally, a group of social scientists and legal scholars filed a separate brief supporting the company. These filings address broader legal questions surrounding free speech, rap lyrics, and defamation claims.

The December 4 hearing will allow both legal teams to present arguments to the Second Circuit panel. The judges will review written filings and oral arguments before issuing their decision, determining if the initial dismissal stands or if Drake's legal challenge can continue.