Overview
- U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled on October 10 that lines in 'Not Like Us'—including the insinuation that Drake “likes them young”—would not be taken as factual by a reasonable listener.
- Drake targeted Universal Music Group rather than Kendrick Lamar, arguing the label published and profited from the track released through its affiliated imprints.
- The court found Drake’s assertions of manipulation, such as inflated streams or preferential promotion, lacked sufficient evidence to meet the plausibility standard.
- A spokesperson for Drake said he intends to appeal the dismissal.
- UMG welcomed the ruling, characterizing the lawsuit as an attack on artistic expression and affirming support for promoting Drake’s music.