US Court Dismisses Drake’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Universal Music

A federal judge in New York has dismissed Canadian rapper Drake’s defamation lawsuit against his record label, Universal Music Group (UMG), over the release and promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s hit diss track Not Like Us.

The ruling, delivered on Thursday, represents a major legal setback for Drake in one of the most high-profile music disputes in recent years.

Drake had filed the lawsuit earlier in 2025, accusing UMG of defamation, harassment, and deceptive marketing. He alleged that the label knowingly promoted Not Like Us, which contained lyrics he claimed branded him a “certified pedophile,” thereby causing damage to his reputation and professional brand.

U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas, however, ruled that the lyrics were protected under the First Amendment, describing them as hyperbolic and opinion-based rather than factual assertions. The judge concluded that the song’s content fell squarely within the artistic and expressive nature of rap battles, which are known for exaggerated and provocative language.

The court noted that Not Like Us was part of a larger, highly publicized feud between Drake and Lamar in 2024, during which both artists exchanged multiple diss tracks. Vargas stated that the tone, language, and competitive nature of the rap battle would not lead an average listener to interpret the lyrics as factual claims.

The court also dismissed Drake’s additional allegations of harassment and deceptive marketing, ruling that UMG could not be held responsible for distributing a creative work protected by free speech laws.

The decision effectively ends one of the most closely watched legal confrontations in modern music history. Not Like Us went on to become one of the defining songs of 2024, earning Kendrick Lamar five Grammy Awards in 2025, including Record and Song of the Year.

Drake has not publicly commented on the ruling, though his legal team is reportedly considering an appeal.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale