A federal judge has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” ruling that the song’s lyrics are protected as nonactionable opinion.
Judge Jeannette A. Vargas issued the decision on Thursday, stating that the allegedly defamatory statements in the track are “nonactionable opinion” and not subject to defamation laws.
“‘Not Like Us’ is replete with profanity, trash-talking, threats of violence, and figurative and hyperbolic language, all of which are indicia of opinion,” stated Vargas, per ABC News.
“A rap diss track would not create more of an expectation in the average listener that the lyrics state sober facts instead of opinion than the statements at issue in those cases.”
Vargas also stated that the back-and-forth between the two rappers created even more drama associated with the song, adding that Lamar’s song “dealt the metaphorical killing blow” and the various pieces released by the artists were “in dialogue with one another,” according to USA Today.
A spokesperson for UMG released a statement following the dismissal, writing that “this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day.”
“We’re pleased with the court’s dismissal and look forward to continuing our work successfully promoting Drake’s music and investing in his career,” continued the corporation, per CNN.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Drake stated that the rapper intends to file an appeal on this decision, though it remains unclear when that appeal will be filed.
This lawsuit comes following a feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar that began in 2024 with a series of diss tracks exchanged between the two artists.
Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was released in May 2024 and quickly became a commercial success, topping charts and garnering significant attention, with the artist even singing the hit song during the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.
In his lawsuit, Drake alleged that Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” falsely accused him of being a pedophile, claiming the song’s lyrics were defamatory and damaged his reputation.
Drake further claimed that UMG, which represents both artists, improperly promoted the track, thereby amplifying the harm and undermining his public image during a contentious period in his career, per NBC News.
Notably, Lamar was not named as a defendant in the trial, with Drake specifically filing the lawsuit against UMG.
Although Judge Vargas dismissed the case, Drake’s team indicated an appeal may follow.
