Toronto rapper Drake's defamation lawsuit against his own record label UMG was dismissed by a federal judge on Thursday.
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In a court document filed earlier this year, the rapper argued that UMG damaged his reputation by agreeing to air Kendrick Lamar's “Not Like Us,” claiming that many people took the lyrics at face value.
In the song, Mr. Lamar calls Drake, among other things, a “certified pedophile.”
Judge Jeannette Vargas accepted UMG's request to dismiss the lawsuit, emphasizing the context in which the song was released – that of a “rap battle.” In this context, the savvy public should not expect all facts stated to be true, Billboard reports.
“Two artists have engaged in a war of words over seven songs that have been the subject of extensive analysis in the media and online. Even if the allegation that the plaintiff is a pedophile is serious, the broader context of the 'rap battle' with inflammatory language and hurtful accusations made by both participants ensures that a reasonable listener will not be swayed believe that “Not Like Us” conveys verifiable information about the plaintiff,” the judge wrote.
The verdict thus brings to an end this legal saga 10 months after the rapper filed a complaint that drew the ire of many observers and music industry officials when the complaint was filed.
Kendrick Lamar has won five Grammy Awards since the release of “Not Like Us”, including Song of the Year.
