A U.S. federal judge in New York has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) concerning Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us”.
Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the lyrics in the song, which included accusations such as calling Drake a “certified pedophile”, are protected as nonactionable opinion, not statements of fact. She reasoned that in the context of a heated rap feud; a reasonable listener would not expect the lyrics to present verifiable truth.
Drake had sued UMG, rather than Kendrick Lamar, claiming the label improperly promoted and profited from the diss track, which he said damaged his reputation and endangered his safety. Lamar was not included as a defendant.
UMG welcomed the ruling, calling the lawsuit “an affront to all artists and their creative expression.” Meanwhile, Drake’s team has announced its intention to appeal the decision.
The case highlights how U.S. law often protects expressive works, particularly in genres like rap, where hyperbole, insults, and exaggerated claims are conventional artistic tools rather than factual assertions.
