Judge Dismisses Drake’s Defamation Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track

A judge has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) regarding Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 diss track ‘Not Like Us.’ Drake accused UMG of allowing the song, which included serious accusations like labeling Drake and his associates as ‘certified paedophiles,’ to be published and promoted, claiming it spread false and malicious narratives. However, Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the lyrics were ‘nonactionable opinion’ within the context of a heated rap battle, which involves hyperbolic and inflammatory language not meant to be taken as factual. The judge highlighted that Drake himself had previously used similar provocative lyrics and even encouraged Lamar to make such accusations in an earlier track. UMG expressed satisfaction with the ruling, calling the lawsuit an affront to artistic expression, while Drake’s team announced their intention to appeal. The court emphasized the nature of rap battles as a form of expressive, figurative communication, not statements of verifiable fact.