A United States federal judge has dismissed the lawsuit brought by Drake against Universal Music Group. The rapper accused his own record company of defamation over its distribution and promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s infamous “Not Like Us” diss track.
District Judge Jeannette Vargas dismissed the suit on Thursday, citing Lamar’s track as a “non-actionable opinion” that is not considered defamatory.
“The fact that the recording was made in the midst of a rap battle is essential to assessing its impact on a reasonable listener,” wrote Judge Vargas.
“Even apparent statements of fact may assume the character of statements of opinion… when made in public debate, heated labour dispute, or other circumstances in which an audience may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole.”
Drake filed his initial suit against UMG in January over Lamar’s “Not Like Us”, claiming that the label intentionally engaged in defamation by promoting the song.
“Not Like Us” arrived in May 2024 as the hardest strike in an intense rap battle that saw the pair throwing wild accusations at each other, including Lamar branding Drake as a “certified paedophile”.