Federal Judge Dismisses Drake’s Defamation Suit Against UMG

URGENT UPDATE: A federal judge has just dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Canadian rapper Drake against Universal Music Group (UMG), marking a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry with rapper Kendrick Lamar. The ruling, issued by Judge Jeannette A Vargas, deemed the lyrics in question to be mere opinion rather than factual statements.

The lawsuit, initiated in January 2024, centered around Lamar’s diss track, Not Like Us, which Drake claimed contained damaging allegations of paedophilia and suggested that listeners take vigilante action. Judge Vargas stated that “a reasonable listener could not have concluded that Not Like Us was conveying objective facts about Drake.”

This legal battle is part of what has been described as “perhaps the most infamous rap battle in the genre’s history,” creating a divide among fans. The judge emphasized that while the allegations were serious, the context of a heated rap battle could not lead an average listener to interpret the lyrics as factual assertions.

UMG, the parent company of both artists, responded to the ruling, stating, “From the outset, this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day.” The company expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision and reiterated its commitment to promoting Drake’s music and career.

Drake’s lawsuit claimed that the diss track not only tarnished his reputation but also led to violent incidents at his home in Toronto, significantly impacting his brand’s value. As the dust settles on this high-profile case, the implications for both artists in the competitive music industry remain to be seen.

Fans are left wondering how this dismissal will affect the ongoing narrative of their rivalry and what artistic responses may follow. For now, this ruling sets a precedent regarding the limits of artistic expression within the realm of music and defamation claims.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.