Universal Music Group (UMG), Drake’s longtime label, has filed a motion to dismiss his defamation lawsuit over its promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy-winning single “Not Like Us.” UMG claims that the lyrics to the song, which accuse Drake of being a pedophile, are mere “rhetorical hyperbole” protected by the First Amendment. The label accuses Drake of hypocrisy for signing a petition criticizing prosecutors using artists’ works in criminal cases, but now suing Lamar over his lyrics.
Drake’s lawsuit seeks damages for defamation and harassment, alleging that the song threatened his safety, led to attempted home break-ins, and forced him to pull his son from school. UMG argues that diss tracks are a celebrated art form and would be severely chilled if Drake’s suit were allowed to proceed. The case is set to proceed despite UMG’s request for dismissal.
As a decade-long feud between the two rappers continues, many have viewed Lamar as the winner in their rap battle. “Not Like Us” won Grammy Awards this February and spent several weeks atop Billboard’s Hot 100 chart after Lamar performed it at the Super Bowl halftime show.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/legal/drakes-label-says-lawsuit-over-lamars-not-like-us-should-be-dismissed-2025-03-17