Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a motion in federal court seeking the dismissal of Drake’s defamation lawsuit concerning Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.” In their filing, UMG contends that the lyrics, which allegedly portray Drake as a pedophile, are protected under the First Amendment as “rhetorical hyperbole” and opinion. UMG further argues that diss tracks are a recognized art form in hip-hop, characterized by exaggerated insults, and that allowing the lawsuit to proceed could suppress creative expression within the genre. They also highlight Drake’s previous stance against using artists’ lyrics in legal proceedings, suggesting a contradiction in his current position. Drake’s lawsuit, filed on January 15, 2025, claims that “Not Like Us” has endangered his safety, citing incidents such as attempted break-ins at his residence and the need to withdraw his son from school. UMG dismisses the lawsuit as an attempt by Drake to recover from a lost rap battle, noting that many fans and commentators viewed Lamar as the victor in their feud. The case is currently under review in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Photo credit @ Getty Images
