Drake claims that “Not Like Us” destroyed his reputation, and he is now suing Universal Music Group again

Drake is determined to hold Universal Music Group responsible for the successful song “Not Like Us,” and he won’t give up easily.

After a judge dismissed his first case against Universal Music Group earlier this year, the Toronto rapper is again pursuing his legal battle. Drake initially sued the label in January, alleging harassment and slander related to the publication and promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s hit diss track. He asserted that the business contributed to the song’s increased popularity by disseminating what he called a “false and malicious” narrative that portrayed him as a purported predator.

U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas dismissed the complaint in October, stating that it was not reasonable to regard the lyrics as declarations of fact. Her choice was largely influenced by the popular perception of diss records and the background of a well-publicized rap dispute.

Vargas stated that the seven-track rap fight between the musicians was a “war of words” that generated a lot of online discussion and media attention. “The broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that ‘Not Like Us’ imparts verifiable facts about plaintiff, even though the accusation that plaintiff is a pedophile is undoubtedly serious.”

Drake is now disputing that finding. He filed an opening appellate brief on January 21 in an attempt to reverse the decision, according to Rolling Stone. Drake contends in the petition that the lyric in the song that calls him a “certified pedophile” is portrayed as a “unambiguous matter of fact,” not as hyperbole or an artistic attack.

He also criticizes the ruling’s wider ramifications, saying it essentially provides artists and labels with absolute protection. Drake claims that the court essentially established an unheard-of and overly general categorical rule that claims made in rap diss tracks are never factual. The deadline for Universal Music Group to submit its answer is March 27.