A United States federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that Drake brought against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the record company of defamation over its distribution and promotion of Kendrick Lamar's diss track, Not Like Us. District Judge Jeannette Vargas dismissed the suit after she said Lamar's Not Like Us was a "nonactionable opinion" that is not considered defamatory.
The feud between two of hip-hop's biggest stars erupted in the spring of 2024, with the pair trading a series of tracks that culminated in Lamar landing the "metaphorical killing blow" with his megahit that May, Vargas said in her written opinion Thursday."The fact that the Recording was made in the midst of a rap battle is essential to assessing its impact on a reasonable listener," Vargas wrote. "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." Story continues below advertisement While the track's lyrics explicitly branded Drake as a pedophile, Vargas said, a reasonable listener could not have concluded that Not Like Us was conveying objective facts about the Canadian superstar."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," Vargas wrote.
Recapping "perhaps the most infamous rap battle in the genre's history," Vargas noted that before Not Like Us, Drake mocked Lamar's height and shoe size and questioned his success in an April 2024 track called Push Ups, while Lamar insulted Drake's fashion sense that same month in Euphoria.
From there, Vargas wrote, the insults escalated, becoming "vicious, personal."The judge said she considered the forum in which the insults occurred and concluded that the average listener does not think a diss track "is the product of a thoughtful or disinterested investigation, conveying to the public factchecked verifiable content." 2:54 Lawsuit reveals new details about shooting at Drake's Toronto home After the ruling, a spokesperson for UMG told Variety that, "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." Story continues below advertisement Drake's representatives told the outlet that they intend to appeal Thursday's ruling, "and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing it." Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Not Like Us - described by Vargas as having a "catchy beat and propulsive bassline" - was one of 2024's biggest songs.
It won record of the year and song of the year at the Grammys and helped make this year's Super Bowl halftime show the most watched ever, as fans speculated on whether Lamar would actually perform it. (He did, but with altered lyrics.) More on Entertainment More videos Zach Bryan responds to backlash over ICE lyrics in song 'Bad News' 'I'm not ready to die yet': Dolly Parton breaks silence on illness rumours Bronx Zoo: Loud boos for 'O Canada' before Game 3 Bronx Zoo: Loud boos for 'O Canada' before Game 3 Rumours of Dolly Parton's death have been greatly exaggerated The Sheepdogs share stories behind their best tour moments with Bryan Adams Halifax Record Fair this weekend Dolly Parton donation helps Manitoba fight food insecurity In January, Drake filed the defamation lawsuit against UMG, the record label he and rival Lamar are both signed to.
The Toronto rapper referred to the release of Lamar's diss track as an example of "corporate greed over the safety and well-being of its artists," according to the New York Times.
In his filing, Drake's team said the diss track aimed at the Canadian rapper spreads the "false and malicious narrative" that he is a pedophile. The filing stated that Drake is "not a pedophile" and has "never engaged in any acts that would require him to be 'placed on neighborhood watch.'" Trending Now Disneyland visitor found dead after riding Haunted Mansion attraction Ontario man ditches drive-thru after discovering $75M Lotto Max jackpot win "Drake has never engaged in sexual relations with a minor. Drake has never been charged with, or convicted of, any criminal acts whatsoever," the suit read. Story continues below advertisement The lawsuit went on to detail a shooting at Drake's home a few