UMG Seeks Dismissal of Drake's Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar Diss Track

Universal Music Group defends 'Not Like Us' as protected artistic expression, arguing Drake's claims lack merit and stem from losing a rap battle.

Universal Music Group filed a motion to dismiss Drake's defamation lawsuit, asserting that Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' is protected under the First Amendment as rhetorical hyperbole common to diss tracks.
UMG accused Drake of hypocrisy, citing his prior support for a petition against treating rap lyrics as literal fact in legal cases, which contradicts his current claims.
Drake alleges that the track, which includes accusations of pedophilia, caused real-world harm, including threats to his safety and his family's well-being.
The label argued that Drake willingly participated in the rap battle with Lamar, releasing multiple diss tracks of his own, and is now attempting to 'save face' after public consensus deemed Lamar the winner.
UMG warned that allowing the lawsuit to proceed could set a dangerous precedent for artistic freedom in the music industry, particularly within the diss track genre.