Getty ImagesA judge has dismissed Drake's defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar's song “Not Like Us.”
Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that Lamar's lyrics accusing Drake and his associates of being “certified pedophiles” were “unfounded opinion” and could not be considered defamatory.
Drake filed the lawsuit in January, accusing Universal Music Group (UMG), the record label behind both rappers, of defamation by allowing the song to be published and promoted, saying it was spreading a “false and malicious story.”
Drake's representative said he plans to appeal the decision. UMG stated that they are pleased with the result and hope to continue cooperation with the rapper.
Not Like Us, which was originally released in May 2024, was seen by many as the decisive blow in the ongoing battle between rival rappers.
It became the biggest hit of Lamar's career, receiving won five Grammys and was one of the most talked about moments from his Super Bowl halftime show in February.
In a 38-page ruling, Judge Vargas called the feud between the rappers “the most disgraceful rap battle in the history of the genre.”
“The seven-track rap battle between the artists was a 'war of words' that was the subject of intense media attention and online discussion,” the judge wrote.
Getty Images“While the allegation that Plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle with incendiary language and offensive accusations made by both participants would not incline a reasonable listener to believe that “Not Like Us” communicates verifiable facts about Plaintiff.”
Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Graham, did not name Lamar in the suit.
His lawyers accused UMG of launching a “campaign to create a viral hit” based on a song that makes a “false factual claim that Drake is a criminal pedophile and suggesting that the public respond by resorting to vigilante justice.”
A UMG spokesman told the BBC's US media partner, CBS News, that the lawsuit from the outset “has been an insult to all artists and their creative expression and should never have seen the light of day.”
“We are pleased with the court's decision and look forward to continuing our efforts to successfully promote Drake's music and invest in his career,” the spokesperson added.
