What Happened?
Earlier this year, Kendrick Lamar unleashed “Not Like Us” — the explosive West Coast anthem that targeted Drake with sharp lyrics and cultural impact. The track accused Drake of being “obsessed with minors,” a bar that sparked internet firestorms, speculation, and pushback from the OVO camp.
Drake’s lawsuit argued that UMG — as the label that distributes Kendrick’s music — knowingly allowed the dissemination of false and defamatory content that damaged his reputation. He claimed that promoting the song was equivalent to endorsing its allegations.
UMG responded by defending “Not Like Us” as an artistic expression consistent with the long-standing battle traditions of hip-hop, arguing that diss records are a culturally protected form of speech — often exaggerated and metaphorical.
The Ruling
Judge Miriam Goldstein ruled in U.S. District Court that:
“The statements in question, when taken in context of the genre’s history and culture, are hyperbolic, rhetorical, and not provable assertions of fact.”
In simpler terms: You can’t sue someone for defamation if what they said is part of a rap battle, especially if it’s clear to the audience that it’s part of performance, not a factual claim.
The court also emphasized that limiting this type of expression would set a dangerous precedent for music and creative freedom across all genres — especially hip-hop, which thrives on raw, unfiltered storytelling and competition.
What Drake's Team Says
A spokesperson for Drake confirmed that his legal team is preparing to appeal the decision, stating:
“This case is far from over. We believe corporations should be held accountable for amplifying slander disguised as art.”
Drake has not issued a public statement himself, but has posted cryptic messages on Instagram hinting at betrayal and industry politics.
Why This Matters for Hip-Hop
This is more than a legal drama — it’s a defining moment for how courts interpret rap lyrics in the digital age. As battle rap continues to evolve in a streaming-first landscape, this case reinforces that lyrical warfare is protected speech — even when it walks the line of controversy.
UMG’s win also highlights how labels are increasingly insulated from responsibility for what artists say — as long as it’s within the artistic realm.
Cultural Impact
“Not Like Us” went 5× Platinum, became a cultural juggernaut, and is considered one of the most influential diss tracks of the decade.
The feud between Drake and Kendrick has reshaped 2025 hip-hop discourse, pulling in artists, fans, and media on both sides.
Legal and musical experts now refer to the dismissal as a landmark case in the ongoing debate over freedom of speech in music.
