Court Docket: The Legal Battle Over Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s Feud—Slander or Just Trash-Talking?

A federal judge is currently considering the complexities surrounding rap battles and the explicit lyrics of Kendrick Lamar’s hit diss track “Not Like Us.” This song has led to a defamation lawsuit filed by fellow artist Drake against Universal Music Group, their shared record label.

Drake alleges that the company published and promoted content he regards as slanderous. In response, Universal argues that the lyrics are exaggerated expressions typical of rap rivalries, and they are seeking to have the case dismissed.

During a lively hearing in New York, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas deliberated over the legal implications of the lyrics, questioning how the average listener perceives such statements. She pondered whether the usual listener would grasp the various references contained in the song, emphasizing the intricate nature of its lyricism.

The lawsuit emerges from an ongoing feud between the two hip-hop icons, centered around one of the year’s most significant tracks, which has received numerous accolades, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys. “Not Like Us” directly addresses Drake, questioning his authenticity and branding him “a colonizer” of the rap culture while also making insinuations about his personal life.

Drake’s lawsuit claims that these allegations falsely depict him as a sex offender and assert that the track has endangered him, leading to serious security concerns, including attempted break-ins at his Toronto home. Drake’s attorney, Michael Gottlieb, highlighted the song’s cultural reach, arguing that it resonates well beyond traditional hip-hop fans.

He mentioned that the average listener could be a young teen enjoying the song at social events. Meanwhile, Universal Music Group’s legal team insists that the lyrics should be understood within the context of playful rap exchanges and not as factual statements.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, and Drake has also accused iHeartMedia of receiving illegal payments from Universal to enhance the airplay for “Not Like Us,” a claim the radio company denies. Despite the ongoing litigation, Drake has not pursued legal action against Lamar directly.