A federal judge has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) regarding Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us.” The case, which was brought forward in January 2023, claimed that UMG’s dissemination of Lamar’s song harmed Drake’s reputation by labeling him a “certified pedophile.”
Judge’s Ruling on the Lawsuit
On October 9, 2023, Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the lyrics in question were a part of a “heated rap battle” and did not constitute defamation under the law. The judgment emphasized that the phrase used in the diss track falls under “hyperbole,” which is expected in rap music contexts.
Details of the Case
- Filed: January 2023
- Ruling Date: October 9, 2023
- Judge: Jeannette Vargas
- Song: “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
- Claim: Defamation by calling Drake a “certified pedophile”
The lawsuit advanced the argument that millions of listeners took the lyric literally, which posed a significant risk to Drake’s public image. However, Judge Vargas remarked that aggressive lyrics exchanged in rap battles typically won’t be taken as factual claims by reasonable audiences.
Reaction from UMG and Music Industry
UMG welcomed the decision, asserting that the lawsuit was an attack on artistic freedom. They commented, “This suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression.” The judge’s decision highlighted the nature of rap as a genre often filled with exaggeration and rhetorical flourish.
Background of the Track
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was released in May 2023 amidst a public feud with Drake. The track garnered significant attention and achieved notable success, including multiple Grammy Awards. It became central to their ongoing rivalry, which has seen both artists exchange harsh criticisms through their music.
Future Implications
Drake’s legal team has the option to appeal this ruling in a federal appeals court. The dismissal marks a pivotal moment in the discourse surrounding defamation in the music industry, particularly regarding artistic expression in hip-hop culture.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a vital reminder of the balance between creative freedom and potential reputational harm in the music industry. The ruling illustrates the complexities involved when public figures engage in artistic disputes.
