Hot SourceA United States federal judge has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit filed against Universal Music Group (UMG) over the promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s viral diss track “Not Like Us”, marking a major legal moment in what has become one of hip-hop’s most intense rivalries.
Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, dragged UMG to court in January 2025, arguing that the label’s distribution and promotion of the track caused reputational damage. The Canadian rapper claimed that lyrics in the song – which accused him of being a “pedophile” – crossed the line from artistic expression into defamation.
Presiding judge Jeannette Vargas struck out the case, describing the controversial lyrics as “nonactionable opinion” delivered within the context of a long-standing rap feud. She held that the average listener would interpret the song as part of a traditional hip-hop diss exchange, known for exaggeration, metaphor and provocation rather than literal claims of fact.
According to court records, the judge emphasised that diss tracks operate within a cultural space where hyperbole is expected and therefore do not usually meet the legal threshold for defamation.
Universal Music Group responded to the court’s decision, stating that the lawsuit posed a threat to artistic freedom and creative expression in music. The label maintained that its role in distributing the track fell squarely within the bounds of industry practice.
Drake’s legal team has signalled an intention to appeal, keeping the legal chapter of this high-profile feud potentially open.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” has gone beyond a diss record to become one of the most culturally dominant hip-hop releases of the year. The track topped global streaming charts and ignited widespread online commentary, with fans and industry analysts alike weighing in on the lyrical back-and-forth.
The post Drake’s defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track dismissed by US Court appeared first on The Herald ghana.
