Drake.webpThe Digest:

The judge dismissed Drake's defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar's track "Not Like Us," ruling that its lyrics accusing Drake of being a "certified paedophile" were "non-actionable opinion" protected within the context of a rap battle.

Key Points:
  • A judge dismissed Drake's defamation lawsuit against his own label, Universal Music Group.
  • The case centered on Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us."
  • The judge ruled the track's incendiary lyrics were "opinion," not a verifiable fact.
  • She cited the context of a "heated rap battle" where both artists used hyperbolic language.
  • The judge noted Drake himself challenged Lamar to make such accusations in an earlier song.
  • UMG called the lawsuit "an affront to all artists and their creative expression."
  • Drake's spokesperson stated they will appeal the court's decision.
This ruling draws a clear line around artistic license, affirming that the hyperbolic and aggressive language intrinsic to rap battles is protected speech, not grounds for legal liability.

Sources: BBC