A federal judge in New York has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) regarding Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 diss track, “Not Like Us.” The ruling confirms that the song’s provocative lyrics, written during a public rap feud, do not constitute defamation.

Background of the Lawsuit

Drake, 37, filed the lawsuit in January 2025, claiming UMG had defamed him by promoting Lamar’s diss track. The song included lyrics that referred to Drake as a “certified pedophile” and suggested he should be “placed on neighborhood watch.” Drake’s legal team argued that millions interpreted the lyrics as factual statements and that the accusations were false, emphasizing that Drake has never been charged with or convicted of sexual misconduct.

The diss track was released in May 2024 and performed during the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in February 2025, viewed by an estimated 127.7 million people, making it the largest Super Bowl TV audience ever.

Court Ruling

Judge Jeannette Vargas dismissed the case, noting that a “reasonable listener” would not perceive a rap battle diss track as conveying verifiable facts. In her ruling, Vargas wrote:

“Although the accusation that [Drake] 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 Drake.”

The judge highlighted that both Drake and Lamar have historically used hyperbolic and inflammatory content in their music, including diss tracks targeting each other. Vargas pointed to Drake’s own song “Family Matters”, which contained similarly provocative lyrics about Lamar.

Responses From the Parties

UMG celebrated the dismissal, stating:

“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.”

Drake’s representatives announced they plan to appeal the decision, signaling the legal battle is not yet over.

Legal Implications

The ruling reinforces protections for artistic expression in music, particularly in diss tracks and rap battles, where rhetorical hyperbole and provocative language are expected. Judge Vargas emphasized that songs filled with figurative language, trash-talking, and threats of violence are generally not interpreted as literal or factual by audiences.

Timeline of the Feud

• May 2024: Kendrick Lamar releases “Not Like Us.”
• February 2025: Lamar performs the track at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.
• January 2025: Drake sues UMG for defamation over the track.
• October 9, 2025: Judge Vargas dismisses the lawsuit, citing hyperbolic rap context.