- A US federal judge has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s diss song “Not Like Us.”
- Judge Janet Vargas ruled that the song’s controversial lyrics were opinions expressed in the context of a rap feud, rather than claims of fact.
- Universal Music Group hailed the decision as a victory for artistic freedom, while Drake’s team announced plans to appeal.
A US federal judge has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s diss song “Not Like Us.”
Judge Janet Vargas ruled that the song’s claims, including calling Drake a “certified pedophile,” were opinions expressed in the context of the rap feud and not statements of fact. She noted that “a reasonable listener” would not take the lyrics literally.
The decision marks a victory for Universal Music Group, which called the lawsuit “frivolous” and a threat to artistic freedom. Drake filed the lawsuit in January and plans to appeal the ruling. “Not Like Us” has since become a hit, winning multiple Grammy Awards and appearing in Lamar’s Super Bowl performance.
In other news… Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has revealed that his wife Simi and their daughter Adejal are his priorities in life.
He told the NotJustOk podcast that his biggest goal is to provide his daughter with a better life than he had growing up. The singer added that his song “My Love Is the Same” was inspired by his commitment to being a present, responsible father.
In his words, “I just want to do more for my own daughter because I can’t give her the life I grew up with. It has to be better. My family is my center. I can be a failed musician without being a failed father or man. That’s non-negotiable.”
