A Manhattan federal judge has thrown out Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, ruling that Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” is protected under free expression as a “non actionable opinion.” Drake had alleged that the lyrics—accusing him of being a “certified pedophile”—were false statements that damaged his reputation and threatened his safety.
He targeted UMG rather than Lamar directly, claiming the label promoted and profited from the content. However, Judge Jeannette Vargas found that given the “heated rap battle” context, a reasonable listener would not interpret the lyrics as factual claims. UMG welcomed the dismissal, asserting that the lawsuit threatened artistic freedom.
Drake’s legal team immediately signaled plans to appeal. The ruling underscores how hyperbole and provocative language in diss tracks often fall outside the bounds of defamation, especially in rap’s expressive tradition. As the legal battle continues, the decision sets an important precedent for how courts interpret the intersection of music, insult culture, and free speech.
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