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Last Updated: March 22, 2025, 18:50 IST
Kendrick Lamar’s Controversial Diss Track, Not Like Us, Sparks Legal Drama with Drake
The ongoing rivalry between rap heavyweights Kendrick Lamar and Drake has intensified, especially in light of recent legal challenges. This tension has escalated as Drake’s legal team has taken a strong stance against Universal Music Group (UMG), following the release of Lamar’s diss track, Not Like Us.
In recent developments, UMG filed a motion aiming to dismiss Drake’s lawsuit in New York, which alleges that the track has led many to mistakenly view him as a pedophile. As a follow-up to this legal maneuver, Drake’s lawyers submitted their counterarguments on March 20, emphasizing the detrimental impact the song has had on his reputation.
According to documents reviewed by PEOPLE, the defense team criticized UMG’s claims that the lyrics of Not Like Us were merely Lamar’s subjective opinion, arguing that such claims are fundamentally flawed. They pointed out that UMG has disregarded serious allegations regarding the public’s misinterpretations linking Drake to accusations of pedophilia.
Drake’s lawyers asserted, “UMG boldly continues to promote this material even after serious incidents have occurred, including an attack on Drake’s home and vandalism of his property. This continued promotion occurred after Drake informed UMG of the false nature of these allegations and when the label was aware that the public perceived these allegations as factual.”
In a twist, UMG’s initial response to Drake’s lawsuit defined it as an act of self-sabotage, noting that the rapper engaged in a rap feud and has since failed to handle the aftermath of his choices in a typical manner expected of a seasoned artist. Instead of confronting the situation with composure, Drake opted for legal action against his own record label.
UMG also argued that Drake has not established a valid case for defamation, contending that Not Like Us expresses opinions and exaggerated statements rather than factual assertions.
Not Like Us made its debut in May 2024 and is part of an ongoing exchange of nine diss tracks produced by both artists. Kendrick Lamar notably showcased this controversial song during the Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, further increasing its visibility and the surrounding discourse.
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