Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group has been dismissed by a U.S. federal judge. This ruling is a big legal win for Kendrick Lamar and his record label. The case centered on Kendrick’s hit diss track “Not Like Us,” which included sharp accusations against Drake. The Canadian rapper claimed the lyrics damaged his reputation and caused real harm.

Drake and his legal team argued that the promotion of the track led to serious consequences. They said the accusations in the song fueled threats, attempted break-ins at his home, and even a shooting involving his security guard. He claimed that Universal Music Group played a role in spreading what he considered defamatory content.

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled that the lyrics in “Not Like Us” are protected as opinion. She explained that, in the context of a rap feud, the statements are not something a reasonable listener would take as fact. Diss tracks are part of hip-hop culture, and exaggerated claims are common. For that reason, the lyrics did not meet the legal standard for defamation.

Universal Music Group responded positively to the ruling. The label said it was a win for artistic freedom and expression. Throughout the case, it maintained that it could not be held responsible for how listeners interpret Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics.

Drake, however, is not backing down. He has announced plans to appeal the court’s decision, signaling that this legal battle may continue.

This case highlights how courts view rap diss tracks. They see them as creative and expressive rather than factual statements. The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has been one of the most talked-about topics in hip-hop this year. “Not Like Us” has broken streaming records and intensified conversations in the music industry.

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