Drake’s Lawsuit Against Universal Gets Tossed
It looks like Drake’s legal fight against Universal Music Group has officially come to an end. A federal judge has dismissed the rapper’s defamation lawsuit over the company’s distribution and promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s viral diss track “Not Like Us.”
U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that Lamar’s lyrics were “nonactionable opinion” and couldn’t be considered defamatory, noting that the song was clearly part of an ongoing rap battle between two artists trading lyrical jabs.
The Background: A Battle That Went Beyond Bars
Drake, signed to Republic Records under the Universal umbrella, filed the lawsuit earlier this year, accusing the label of helping spread what he claimed were false allegations about him.
The Toronto rapper alleged that Universal secretly paid third parties and offered reduced licensing rates to boost “Not Like Us” while he was in contract negotiations in an effort to damage his reputation and brand.
Kendrick Lamar, on the other hand, is signed to Interscope Records, also under Universal.
Their back-and-forth became one of the most talked-about rap beefs in recent memory.
From “First Person Shooter” To “Not Like Us”
The feud ignited after Drake dropped “First Person Shooter” featuring J. Cole, where the duo crowned themselves part of rap’s “big three” alongside Kendrick Lamar.
Kendrick wasn’t having it.
His fiery verse on “Like That” made it clear he didn’t see Drake or Cole as equals, and that’s when the gloves came off.
What followed was a series of brutal diss tracks filled with personal shots and heavy accusations, including claims of domestic abuse and exploitation.
When Kendrick released “Not Like Us” in May, the song became a West Coast anthem and for many, the knockout punch that crowned him the winner of the battle.
The Court’s Ruling
At the heart of Drake’s lawsuit was the question of whether “Not Like Us” could be interpreted as stating factual claims that he’s a pedophile or has engaged in inappropriate behavior with minors.
Judge Vargas said context was key.
“The average listener is not under the impression that a diss track is the product of a thoughtful or disinterested investigation,” she wrote, adding that rap battles are known for exaggeration, competition, and metaphor, not fact-checking.
Simply put, in hip-hop, a diss track is entertainment, not evidence.
What’s Next For Drake And Kendrick?
Neither Drake nor Universal Music Group has commented publicly on the ruling.
But with the case dismissed, it appears both rappers can officially move on, whether that means more music, more subliminals, or finally letting this feud rest remains to be seen.
This story is still developing, and I’ll update as more details unfold.
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