Overview

• U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas dismissed the case on Thursday, ruling that “Not Like Us” does not assert verifiable facts about Drake.
• The decision says a reasonable listener understands even harsh insults in a rap battle as rhetorical hyperbole rather than statements of fact.
• Universal Music Group applauded the ruling in remarks to Variety, calling the lawsuit an affront to creative freedom and pledging continued promotion of Drake’s music.
• Drake sued his own label in January, alleging UMG distributed and promoted the track and claiming the lyrics harmed his reputation and safety.
• The song’s reach included a Super Bowl Halftime performance and five Grammy wins, and as of publication neither Drake nor Kendrick Lamar had commented on the ruling.