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drake Defamation Lawsuit: Judge Weighs Free Speech in Kendrick Lamar Diss Track
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New York, NY – A federal judge is currently evaluating the nature of rap battles and the pointed lyrics within Kendrick Lamar‘s hit song “Not Like us,” which has led to a defamation lawsuit filed by Drake. The central question revolves around whether the song’s content constitutes slander or falls under the umbrella of protected artistic expression.
The Core of the Legal Battle
drake has taken legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), the record label for both himself and Lamar, asserting that UMG published and promoted “Not Like Us,” a track he views as defamatory. UMG is seeking to dismiss the case, arguing that the song’s lyrics are simply hyperbole, a common element in rap feuds. Judge Jeannette Vargas presided over a hearing on Monday, grappling with the challenge of applying legal standards to the creative and frequently enough provocative world of hip-hop.
Did You Know? Rap battles have a long history,dating back to the early days of hip-hop in the 1970s,often serving as a platform for lyrical competition and establishing dominance.
Key Arguments Presented in Court
Judge Vargas questioned, “Who is the ordinary listener? is it someone who’s going to catch all those references?” This highlights the core issue of how a typical, reasonable person would interpret the song’s statements, considering the specialized and nuanced nature of the lyrics. Neither Drake nor Lamar were present at the hearing.
The lawsuit originates from an intense feud between two of hip-hop’s biggest figures, centered around one of 2024’s most prominent songs. “Not Like Us” garnered significant acclaim, winning Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys, achieving the highest number of streams on Apple Music globally, and contributing to the record-breaking viewership of this winter’s Super Bowl halftime show.
Released amidst a series of diss tracks exchanged between the two artists, Lamar’s song directly addresses Drake, questioning his authenticity and labeling him a “colonizer” of rap culture, asserting that he is “not like us” in Lamar’s home territory of Compton, California, and the broader West Coast rap scene.
Pro Tip: Understanding the context of rap feuds is crucial. thes battles often involve exaggerated claims and personal attacks, intended to provoke a response and assert lyrical superiority.
Specific Allegations and Rebuttals
“Not Like Us” also includes insinuations about Drake’s personal life, including the line “
