A U.S. federal judge has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”
Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the song’s controversial lyrics were expressions of opinion within the context of a rap feud, not factual claims.
UMG hailed the decision as a victory for artistic freedom, while Drake’s team announced plans to appeal.
A U.S. federal judge has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”
Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the song’s claims, including calling Drake a “certified pedophile,” were expressions of opinion made in the context of a rap feud, not factual statements. She noted that “a reasonable listener” would not take the lyrics literally.
The decision marks a victory for UMG, which called the lawsuit “frivolous” and a threat to artistic freedom. Drake, who filed the suit in January, plans to appeal the ruling. “Not Like Us” has since become a massive hit, earning multiple Grammys and featuring in Lamar’s Super Bowl performance.
In other news….. Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has revealed that his wife, Simi, and their daughter, Adejare, are his top priority in life.
Speaking on the NotJustOk podcast, he said his greatest goal is to provide his daughter with a better life than he had growing up. The singer added that his song “My Love Is The Same” was inspired by his dedication to being a present and responsible father.
In his words, “All I wanted is to do more for my own daughter because I can’t afford to bring her into the kind of life I grew up living. It has to be way better. My family is my centre. I can afford to be a failed musician, not a failed father or man. That’s not negotiable.”
