THE LONG-RUNNING Legal Battle Between Canadian Rapper Drake And Universal Music Group (Umg) Has Officially Ended After A Los Angeles Superior Court Dismissed Drake’s Defamation Lawsuit Concerning Kendrick Lamar’s Chart-Topping Hit “Not Like Us.”
According To Court Documents, Judge Vargas Ruled That The Allegedly Defamatory Statements In The Song Constitute “Non-Actionable Opinions,” Meaning They Cannot Be Treated As Factual Claims Under Defamation Law. The Court Therefore Granted The Motion To Dismiss The Case In Favor Of Umg.
In Simple Terms, The Judge Determined That The Lyrics In “Not Like Us” Fall Under The Category Of Artistic Expression Protected By The Constitution’s Freedom Of Speech, Rather Than Verifiable Statements Of Fact That Could Damage Someone’s Reputation.
Judge Vargas Further Explained That Once A Song Is Recognized As A Form Of Artistic Commentary, No Amount Of Airplay Or Public Circulation Can Transform Those Artistic Opinions Into Factual Allegations.
The Ruling Effectively Ends Drake’s Case Against Umg And Ensures That Kendrick Lamar’s Global Hit Will Continue To Stream, Play, And Be Celebrated Despite Drake’s Earlier Claims That The Lyrics Were False And Harmful To His Image.