A federal judge in New York is deciding whether Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” crosses the line from artistic expression into defamation, after Drake sued Universal Music Group over lyrics that allegedly incited real-world threats against him.
At a Glance
- Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics.
- The disputed song “Not Like Us” includes accusations of pedophilia and cultural exploitation.
- The lawsuit claims the lyrics provoked threats, including a shooting at Drake’s Toronto home.
- Universal defends the lyrics as traditional “trash-talking” in hip-hop culture.
- The judge is evaluating how a reasonable listener would interpret the lyrics’ meaning and context.
Rap Feud Escalates: From “Like That” to “Not Like Us”
The feud reignited in 2024 when Kendrick Lamar dismissed Drake and J. Cole as competition in his verse on the song “Like That”. Drake fired back with tracks like “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle,” escalating personal attacks. Lamar’s subsequent songs, especially “Not Like Us”, pushed the conflict to new levels with serious allegations including sexual misconduct and exploitation. The track became a cultural phenomenon, topping charts and winning multiple Grammy Awards, as detailed in Vanity Fair.
Lamar’s verses include pointed accusations that many argue step beyond traditional rap battle “trash talk,” directly naming and implicating Drake in criminal behavior. This has polarized fans and critics, some seeing it as a brave confrontation of misconduct in the music industry, while others view it as reckless slander. Drake’s legal team argues that the impact has gone beyond music, with threats and violence emerging in real life, including a shooting incident outside Drake’s Toronto residence, which they claim was sparked by the song’s lyrics (Associated Press).
Watch a report: Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar: A timeline of their feud, from 2024 on.
Legal Fallout and Cultural Questions
Drake’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, claiming Universal Music Group intentionally released and promoted “Not Like Us” to escalate the feud for commercial benefit. The suit alleges that UMG capitalized on the controversy to boost streaming revenue and public attention, effectively monetizing a personal vendetta.
This case highlights the complex intersection of free speech, artistic license, and the responsibilities of music distributors. Legal experts note that defamation claims in music are notoriously difficult to prove, particularly when lyrics are steeped in hyperbole and metaphor common to hip-hop culture. Still, the real-world consequences alleged by Drake’s team raise important questions about the limits of expression when accusations provoke actual harm.
The legal battle captivates fans and experts alike, illuminating the complex interplay of rivalry, reputation, and commerce in modern rap, as analyzed by the Wall Street Journal. The judge’s decision may set a precedent affecting future cases where music, celebrity, and legal boundaries collide.
The Associated Press reports that the judge will assess the context, tone, and cultural norms to decide if the lyrics are legally defamatory or protected free speech, making this case a landmark in artistic legal battles.
