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Drake’s January 2025 federal lawsuit over “Not Like Us” was dismissed by a judge on October 9, 2025. The case was against Universal Music Group (UMG), not Spotify or Kendrick Lamar. Drake appealed, but the Second Circuit docket page reviewed shows filings only through April 20, 2026, so it does not establish the appeal’s status as of October 8, 2026.
Did Drake sue Spotify over “Not Like Us”?
Not in the federal lawsuit dismissed in October 2025. That complaint, filed on January 15, 2025, named UMG Recordings, Inc. as the defendant; it did not name Spotify or Kendrick Lamar. Drake brought it through Frozen Moments LLC. The federal complaint describes earlier pre-action proceedings, which are separate from the federal case.
In one earlier proceeding, UMG’s December 20, 2024 response described a New York petition as alleging, on information and belief, that Spotify would recommend “Not Like Us” in exchange for a discounted royalty rate. That is UMG’s account of an allegation in the petition, not a finding that such an agreement existed. The earlier proceedings sought information before a potential lawsuit; they should not be treated as a court ruling that streaming promotion was manipulated. The federal complaint and UMG’s response to the New York petition document the distinction.
What did Drake’s federal complaint allege?
The January 2025 complaint alleged that UMG knowingly published and promoted the recording despite what Drake said were false implications about him. It asserted defamation, harassment in the second degree, and a claim under New York General Business Law § 349. Those were claims in a pleading, not facts established at trial. Read the complaint.
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Why did the judge dismiss the case?
On October 9, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas granted UMG’s motion to dismiss. Applying a reasonable-listener lens, the court considered the allegedly defamatory statements in the context of a rap battle and diss track. It concluded that the statements were nonactionable opinion in that context, even though an accusation may be capable of being tested as true or false in another setting.
Judge Vargas wrote: “Because the Court concludes that the allegedly defamatory statements in ‘Not Like Us’ are nonactionable opinion, the motion to dismiss is GRANTED.” The court also dismissed the harassment claim and the New York General Business Law § 349 claim. This was a dismissal on a motion, not a trial verdict establishing whether the alleged promotion occurred. The district court’s opinion and order sets out the ruling.
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How are the earlier petition and federal lawsuit different?
| Proceeding | Court and purpose | Parties and issues | Outcome or status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earlier pre-action discovery proceedings | Proceedings described in filings from New York and Texas, seeking information before a potential lawsuit. | Drake acted through Frozen Moments LLC. The New York petition involved UMG and Spotify; UMG’s response characterized the petition as alleging a discounted-royalty arrangement for Spotify recommendations. | The filings reviewed describe allegations and discovery proceedings, not a merits finding that UMG or Spotify manipulated streams. |
| Federal civil lawsuit | Filed in federal court on January 15, 2025, with civil claims against UMG. | Frozen Moments LLC named UMG Recordings, Inc. as defendant. The complaint asserted defamation, harassment in the second degree, and a New York GBL § 349 claim. | Dismissed on October 9, 2025. Drake appealed; the Second Circuit docket page reviewed lists filings through April 20, 2026, including his reply brief, but does not establish a later outcome. |
The figures the district court gives for the underlying feud are background, not evidence of the lawsuit’s allegations: it describes the spring 2024 exchange as eight diss tracks released over 16 days. The court’s opinion provides that account.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the status of Drake’s appeal?
Drake appealed the dismissal. The Second Circuit docket page reviewed lists briefing and other filings, including a reply brief on April 20, 2026. The latest entries visible on that page do not show a merits decision, and they do not establish what happened after that date. The Second Circuit docket is the source for the listed filings; a current official docket record is needed to confirm any later development.
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