A U.S. federal judge has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” The judge ruled that the song’s lyrics are opinions made during a rap battle, not factual statements that can be considered defamation.
Judge dismisses Drake’s lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar’s track ‘Not Like Us’
District Judge Jeannette Vargas threw out Drake’s case on Thursday, calling Lamar’s “Not Like Us” a “non-actionable opinion.” She said the song’s context matters because it was part of an ongoing rap feud. “Even apparent statements of fact may assume the character of statements of opinion. When made in public debate, heated labor dispute, or other circumstances in which an audience may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole,” the judge wrote.
Drake sued UMG in January, claiming his own label defamed him by distributing and promoting Lamar’s track. He accused the company of fueling the spread of damaging claims through major events like Lamar’s Super Bowl performance. Even including the 2025 Grammy Awards, where “Not Like Us” won five awards.
Judge Vargas said that listeners understand rap battles as spaces for exaggerated and provocative lyrics. She wrote, “Although the accusation that Plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a serious one, 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.”
Her decision backed UMG’s defense that the song was an artistic expression, not a factual attack.
A UMG spokesperson told Variety, “From the outset, 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.” Drake’s representatives said they plan to appeal.
