Judge Dismisses Drake’s Defamation Suit Against UMG in Rap Rivalry

A federal judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by rapper Drake against Universal Music Group (UMG), bringing an end to one of the most notable legal disputes in contemporary rap. The lawsuit revolved around Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, Not Like Us, which accused Drake of serious misconduct amid their ongoing public feud. This ruling, issued on October 9, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in music law, highlighting the tensions between artistic expression and legal accountability.

The lawsuit, initiated in January 2025, claimed that Lamar’s lyrics falsely depicted Drake as a “certified paedophile” and suggested he should be “placed on neighbourhood watch.” Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Graham, stated that UMG, a label with which he has been associated for over a decade, had not only approved but also promoted a song that misrepresented him as a criminal. He sought damages for reputational harm, arguing that the track launched a “campaign to create a viral hit.”

In her ruling, Judge Jeannette Vargas described Drake’s allegations as “logically incoherent.” She concluded that the lyrics of Not Like Us, while harsh, were part of the “heated rap battle” tradition rather than a factual assertion intended to defame. Vargas articulated that a “reasonable listener” would not interpret the song as a serious report but rather as “rhetorical hyperbole,” a common characteristic of the genre.

The court’s decision also addressed Drake’s claim that UMG should be held liable for promoting the song. Judge Vargas noted that if Not Like Us was deemed non-actionable opinion when initially released, its subsequent republication would not expose the label to legal risk. She pointed out that the track was filled with profanity, trash-talking, and figurative language, all hallmarks of diss tracks rather than factual reporting.

Released in May 2024, Not Like Us was part of a series of diss tracks exchanged between Lamar and Drake during their highly publicized rivalry. The track gained significant attention for its pointed accusations and was performed by Lamar during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, which attracted an estimated 133.5 million viewers, the largest audience in Super Bowl history. Although the word “paedophile” was omitted from the live performance, Lamar maintained the provocative tone, delivering the line, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young,” with a smirk directed at the camera.

Drake’s representatives argued that millions of listeners interpreted the lyrics as factual, further underpinning his lawsuit’s basis. In contrast, UMG welcomed the court’s dismissal, stating that the lawsuit was “an affront to all artists and their creative expression.” The label affirmed its commitment to promoting Drake’s music and supporting his career despite the ongoing legal issues.

Drake’s team has confirmed intentions to appeal the ruling, suggesting that this legal saga may not conclude here. Judge Vargas also highlighted that Drake himself had used inflammatory lyrics in his own diss track, Family Matters, which implied that Lamar was a domestic abuser and questioned the paternity of one of his children. Vargas remarked that such exchanges exemplify the competitive nature of rap battles, where “audiences anticipate fiery rhetoric rather than factual assertions.”

Legal experts believe the dismissal of Drake’s lawsuit could set a significant precedent regarding artistic expression in musical rivalries. By framing Not Like Us as non-defamatory opinion, the ruling emphasizes the legal protections afforded to hyperbolic or metaphorical speech in the arts. As it stands, the court’s decision closes a dramatic chapter in the rivalry between two of the genre’s most influential figures. Whether Drake’s planned appeal will reignite this legal battle remains to be seen, but for now, the dispute has been settled in the eyes of the law.