Drake appeals court ruling over Kendrick Lamar diss track

Drake has filed an appeal in a U.S. Court of Appeals following the dismissal of his defamation lawsuit connected to Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us.

The appeal was officially submitted on January 21 after a federal judge ruled in October 2025 that the song’s lyrics were protected opinion rather than statements of fact. The case was brought against Universal Music Group, which Drake accused of worsening the alleged damage through its promotion of the track.

The legal dispute began in January 2025, when Drake claimed the song harmed his reputation by including allegations he described as defamatory. Kendrick Lamar is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Drake’s legal team has argued that the lyrics were presented as factual assertions and that marketing strategies surrounding the track misled listeners, causing further reputational harm.

Court records show Drake first filed a notice of appeal in November 2025, formally launching the appellate process. The case continues to draw attention within the music industry due to its potential implications for artistic expression and defamation law.

Source: Geo News Digital Desk,