Court Dismisses Drake’s Lawsuit Against Kendrick Lamar Here’s Why

A New York judge has officially dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping diss track “Not Like Us.”

Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that Lamar’s controversial lyrics which accused Drake and his associates of being “certified paedophiles” were “non-actionable opinion” within the context of a heated rap battle, and therefore not legally defamatory.

Inside the Case

Drake initially filed the lawsuit in January 2025, claiming that UMG, which represents both artists, was complicit in spreading a false and damaging narrative by allowing and promoting the release of the song.

However, in a 38-page ruling, Judge Vargas described the lyrical feud between Drake and Lamar as “the most infamous rap battle in hip-hop history.” She concluded that “a reasonable listener would not interpret the lyrics as verifiable statements of fact.”

In essence, the court viewed “Not Like Us” as artistic expression, not literal accusation a key distinction that protects artists under First Amendment principles.

The Cultural Context

Released in May 2024, “Not Like Us” became a cultural phenomenon and a defining moment in the Drake vs. Kendrick feud. The song earned five Grammy Awards and was featured in Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance in February 2025, cementing its place as one of the most impactful diss tracks in rap history.

Judge Vargas’ decision effectively recognizes the song’s lyrics as part of hip-hop’s long-standing battle tradition a space where exaggeration, rivalry, and artistic license are expected.

Reactions and Next Steps

Following the ruling, UMG expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, calling Drake’s lawsuit “an affront to artistic freedom and creative expression.”

A spokesperson for Drake, however, confirmed that the rapper intends to appeal the decision, signaling that the legal battle may not be over yet.

The Bigger Picture

This case underscores a long-running question in hip-hop and entertainment law where does creative expression end and defamation begin?

For now, the court’s message is clear: in the context of rap battles and artistic rivalry, lyrics are performance, not prosecution.

And as history shows, in hip-hop sometimes, the mic is mightier than the lawsuit.