Drake is facing allegations of attempting to stifle the long-established custom of lyrical battles in Hip-Hop and infringe upon the First Amendment through his legal action against Kendrick Lamar. In his lawsuit against Lamar for the hit diss track "Not Like Us," Drake is encountering opposition from Universal Music Group.

The legal dispute originated from a heated lyrical clash in 2024 involving Drake and Kendrick Lamar, during which they exchanged nine diss tracks. Initially, Drake's lawsuit focused on a lyric in "Not Like Us" where he was referred to as a "certified pedophile." However, after UMG filed a motion to dismiss, Drake revised his complaint, shifting the attention to Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance, despite the offending lyric not being included in the show.

UMG is now urging the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the claims made are unfounded and pose a threat to constitutional principles. The attorney for UMG, Rollin A. Ransom, emphasized that diss tracks are a recognized form of art that revolves around exaggerated insults and should not be hindered by Drake's lawsuit.

Ransom also highlighted the apparent double standard in Drake's position, pointing out that Drake had previously utilized UMG's platform to release tracks insulting Lamar. UMG contends that the assertions made in the song are exaggerated opinions typical in rap battles rather than factual claims. The label further undermines Drake's credibility by referencing his own lyrics attacking Lamar's character.

According to UMG, Drake's legal action is more about his wounded pride following a public feud loss rather than genuine legal harm. The label accuses Drake of attempting to sabotage the success of "Not Like Us," which emerged as the top-selling rap song of 2024.

UMG has requested the court to dismiss Drake's amended complaint with prejudice, preventing him from filing the case again. The legal battle reveals UMG's criticism of Drake's attempts to silence diss tracks and suppress freedom of expression.