Judge Throws Out Drake’s Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar’s Explosive Diss Track “Not Like Us”
A U.S. federal judge has dismissed the defamation lawsuit filed by rapper Drake against his record label, Universal Music Group (UMG), over the publication and promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s viral diss track “Not Like Us.”
In a detailed 38-page ruling, District Judge Jeannette Vargas concluded that Lamar’s track which accused Drake of being a “certified pedophile” was a protected form of artistic expression, not a factual statement. The judge stated that the song’s lyrics fell under the category of “pure opinion,” a classification that shields creative works like rap battles and satire from defamation claims.
Drake, who has denied the allegations made in the song, did not sue Lamar himself but instead targeted UMG, which released and distributed “Not Like Us.” The rapper argued that the label had “knowingly amplified false and damaging claims” about him for profit and publicity. UMG, however, countered that the lawsuit was baseless, claiming it sought to “censor creative expression” in an art form built on competition and confrontation.
In her ruling, Judge Vargas sided with UMG, stating:
“The average listener is not under the impression that a diss track is the result of a neutral investigation or an attempt to communicate verifiable facts. The broader context of a heated rap feud involving hyperbole, metaphor, and offensive language does not lend itself to literal interpretation.”
The judge further analyzed the context of the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, which dominated headlines in 2024. Both artists released multiple diss tracks, escalating from subtle jabs to deeply personal and inflammatory accusations. Judge Vargas noted that this “battle rap culture” has long been understood by the public as exaggerated and performative, not factual reporting.
UMG celebrated the court’s decision, calling it a victory for artistic freedom.
“From the outset, this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression,” a UMG spokesperson said. “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.”
A spokesperson for Drake, however, confirmed that the rapper plans to challenge the decision:
“We intend to appeal today’s ruling and look forward to having the Court of Appeals review it.”
Drake’s lawsuit, filed in January 2025, had reached the discovery stage before being dismissed. The artist alleged that UMG failed to protect him from reputational harm caused by one of its own artists, Lamar, who is signed to Interscope Records, a subsidiary of UMG. Drake, meanwhile, is signed to Republic Records, another UMG label.
“Not Like Us” became one of the most commercially successful diss tracks in modern hip-hop history. The song topped global charts, earned multiple Grammy Awards, and was performed by Lamar during his Super Bowl halftime show earlier this year. The track also reignited debates about how far rap battles can go before crossing ethical or legal lines.
Judge Vargas’ decision reinforces that diss tracks, no matter how inflammatory are protected speech under the First Amendment, as long as they are understood as artistic expression rather than factual allegations.
For now, the feud between two of rap’s biggest stars may continue in the court of public opinion, but legally, Kendrick Lamar and UMG walk away unscathed while Drake may face another uphill battle in his appeal.