A federal judge in New York has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against his own label, Universal Music Group (UMG), over the viral success of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” The ruling, delivered on Thursday, ends months of legal drama stemming from one of hip-hop’s most explosive rivalries in recent memory.
Drake had filed the suit in January 2025, accusing UMG of betrayal and negligence by promoting Lamar’s chart-topping hit, which featured controversial lyrics implying predatory behavior. The rapper claimed the label’s actions led to “physical threats” and “severe online harassment,” arguing that UMG prioritized profit over his safety. However, the court found that the label’s support for the song fell under protected artistic expression, effectively rejecting Drake’s claims.
Following the decision, UMG hailed the dismissal as a victory for artistic freedom, calling the lawsuit “an affront to all artists and their creative expression.” Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar—who performed “Not Like Us” at the Super Bowl halftime show earlier this year to an audience of over 130 million viewers—continues to ride the wave of critical and commercial acclaim that cemented the track as a defining moment in hip-hop history.
