Drake’s Appeal in ‘Not Like Us’ Lawsuit Criticized by Legal Scholars: ‘It Is Dangerous’
Legal experts are voicing strong objections to Drake’s attempt to revive his lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar over the diss track “Not Like Us.” They argue that the rapper cannot pursue legal action after having “consented” to the ongoing feud and assert that litigation concerning rap lyrics poses significant risks.
Background of the Lawsuit
Drake is currently appealing a ruling from October that dismissed his case against Universal Music Group (UMG). The lawsuit claimed that UMG defamed him by promoting Lamar’s Grammy-winning track, which labeled him a “certified pedophile.” This legal battle has drawn considerable attention within the music industry.
Yale Scholars Weigh In
In a brief submitted on April 3, Yale law professors contend that the case should remain dismissed. They argue that Drake explicitly granted “consent” for the exchange of diss tracks, particularly by provoking Lamar to rap about his alleged preferences. The scholars liken the situation to a boxer who challenges a champion and then seeks legal recourse after losing, emphasizing that consent serves as a fundamental defense in such scenarios.
The professors assert that Drake’s participation in the lyrical conflict means he cannot seek legal remedy after losing in the court of public opinion. They state, “Lamar won in the court of public opinion. Having lost in that forum, Drake turned to another.”
The Impact of “Not Like Us”
Lamar released “Not Like Us” in May 2024 during a heated exchange with Drake, which included a series of diss tracks from both artists. The song, which accused Drake of being a “certified pedophile,” became a commercial success, winning five Grammy Awards, including record and song of the year.
Legal Proceedings and Dismissal
In January, Drake shocked the music industry by filing a lawsuit against UMG, alleging that the label had defamed him by promoting the track. The lawsuit did not name Lamar as a defendant but claimed that UMG had orchestrated a campaign to disseminate a false narrative about him. However, Judge Jeannette Vargas dismissed the case ten months later, stating that diss tracks often contain figurative language that listeners do not interpret as literal truth.
Drake is currently appealing this dismissal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. As the case progresses, various external groups are weighing in, a common practice in high-profile legal disputes.
Concerns Over Rap Lyrics in Court
In addition to the Yale scholars, a separate brief was filed by a group of academics who have extensively researched the use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal cases. They caution that Drake’s approach could exacerbate existing issues related to racial bias and stereotypes in the courtroom. The professors argue that treating rap lyrics as literal statements can lead to dangerous implications.
The brief highlights that diss tracks are a long-standing element of rap culture, meant to showcase lyrical skill and dominance rather than factual assertions about the opposing artist. They emphasize that audiences understand these tracks as hyperbolic expressions of rivalry.
Ongoing Legal Developments
Both Drake and UMG have submitted their own briefs in the ongoing case. The matter is set to be argued before the appeals court in the coming months, with a ruling anticipated within the next year. An attorney representing Drake did not respond to requests for comment regarding the recent amicus briefs.
As reported by www.billboard.com.
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Published on 2026-04-06 22:29:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk