Judge Rules Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" Lyrics Protected by First Amendment, Dismisses Drake's Lawsuit Against UMG
- Oh Snap News
- 2 hours ago
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The final legal chapter in one of hip-hop's most explosive feuds has closed. A federal judge has reportedly dismissed Drake's high-profile defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), ruling that the controversial lyrics in Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping diss track, “Not Like Us,” are protected under the First Amendment.
On October 9, 2025, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas issued the ruling, concluding that the fiery accusations at the heart of the dispute—where Lamar branded Drake a “certified pedophile”—fall under the umbrella of protected speech within an artistic context.
Artistry vs. Allegation: The Core of the Case
Drake's legal team had filed the lawsuit earlier this year, arguing that UMG—which represents both rival artists—defamed and damaged the Canadian superstar's reputation by actively distributing and monetizing a track containing "false and malicious" lyrics. They asserted the label had a duty to protect its artists from content that could endanger their safety or brand.
UMG, however, mounted a robust defense, framing the diss track as a recognized, exaggerated, and rhetorical form of artistic expression. Their attorneys maintained that no reasonable listener would interpret the lyrics as literal, verifiable factual claims.
Judge Vargas ultimately sided with the label, stressing that the lyrics were "rhetorical hyperbole and opinion" rooted in the culture of a rap battle.
"The statements in question would not be understood by a reasonable listener as factual allegations," Judge Vargas noted in her opinion. "They are part of a longstanding artistic tradition of exaggerated, often confrontational expression."
The court found that Lamar’s harsh-yet-artistic lyrics are squarely protected by free speech laws, shielding UMG from liability for distributing the creative work of one of its biggest stars.
The dismissal brings an end to Drake's legal recourse in a feud that saw "Not Like Us" dominate global charts and social media, widely regarded as the decisive blow in the highly publicized battle.
Drake has not yet issued a public statement following the dismissal.
What do you think of the judge's decision? Does this ruling set a new precedent for rap battles and the First Amendment?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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