Overview
- Drake filed a formal notice of appeal on Oct. 29, shifting his case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
- U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas dismissed the suit on Oct. 9, finding the lyrics were protected artistic opinion in the context of a heated rap battle.
- The court rejected Drake’s allegations of pay-for-play and artificial streaming boosts by Universal Music Group due to a lack of credible evidence.
- Drake targeted UMG rather than Kendrick Lamar, arguing the label amplified a portrayal he says falsely branded him a pedophile and put his family at risk.
- UMG has praised the dismissal as a defense of creative expression and says it remains focused on promoting Drake’s music.