judge Dismisses Drake‘s defamation Suit Against UMG and spotify Over Kendrick Lamar Diss Track
A new York judge has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, stemming from claims that the companies boosted streams of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, ‘Not Like Us,’ amid a highly publicized rap feud. The ruling, documented in court filings available via the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System, effectively ends Drake’s legal attempt to hold UMG and Spotify accountable for allegedly amplifying what he considered defamatory statements made by Lamar.
The lawsuit,filed by Drake’s frozen Moments LLC,alleged that UMG and Spotify “illegally” aided and boosted streams of ‘Not Like Us’ in favor of Lamar,who engaged in a viral rap feud wiht Drake last year. This case highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding artist disputes, streaming manipulation allegations, and the interpretation of artistic expression – especially the often-exaggerated claims common in diss tracks. With the suit dismissed,Drake’s attempt to seek damages and control the narrative surrounding the feud has stalled,leaving questions about the responsibility of streaming platforms and record labels in managing artist conflicts.
Drake initially sued UMG in March,arguing the label was attempting to downplay the impact of Lamar’s disses. UMG responded by filing a motion to dismiss, stating Drake sued as he “lost a rap battle” and was attempting to “salve his wounds.” They argued that listeners wouldn’t interpret the “outrageous insults” inherent in diss tracks as factual statements.
Drake’s legal team countered that argument, asserting people did take Lamar’s lyrics seriously, specifically claiming they understood a line in ‘Not Like Us’ as a factual assertion that Drake is a “pedophile.” According to court documents filed by Drake’s attorneys, “millions of people, all over the world, did understand the defamatory material as a factual assertion.”
The dismissal comes after Lamar’s high-profile performance at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime show in February, where he performed ‘Not Like Us’ alongside guest appearances from SZA, Serena Williams, and Samuel L. Jackson. The performance was the most-watched in Super Bowl history.
