Drake’s Defamation Lawsuit Against UMG Over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Dismissed by Judge
A judge has dismissed Drake’s lawsuit, where he alleged Universal Music Group (UMG) distributed Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us” despite the record containing “false and defamatory” claims. In court documents viewed by VIBE, Judge Jeannette Varga ruled that “the vitriolic war of words that erupted between superstar recording artists” did not cross any legal boundaries.
“The recording was published as part of a heated public feud, in which both participants exchanged progressively caustic, inflammatory insults and accusations,” Judge Vargas explained. “This is precisely the type of context in which an audience may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole rather than factual assertions.”
She continued to write, “Republication cannot transform Lamar’s statement of opinion into UMG’s statement of fact,” and added, “That the Recording can only reasonably be understood as opinion is reinforced by the language employed in the song.”
[embedded content]
Drake first filed the lawsuit this January, and claimed that UMG ignored the “inflammatory and shocking allegations” of “Not Like Us,” knowing it would be a “gold mine” for the company and result in financial gain.
“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,” detailed a UMG spokesperson to Billboard.
Drake watches on as the Sacramento Kings play the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on November 2, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Mark Blinch/Getty Images
In April, the lawsuit was amended after the Compton rapper won Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Music Video at the 2025 Grammy Awards, and performed the behemoth diss at Super Bowl LIX.
“The Court holds, based upon a full consideration of the context in which ‘Not Like Us’ was published, that a reasonable listener could not have concluded that ‘Not Like Us’ was conveying objective facts about Drake,” ruled Judge Varga.
VIBE has reached out to representatives for Drake regarding the lawsuit dismissal.
