Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar: The "Not Like Us" Lawsuit Saga

Explore the dismissal of Drake's lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar over the track 'Not Like Us', highlighting media coverage and implications for artistic expression.

Last Update Oct 11, 2025, 7:02:54 PM

Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar: The "Not Like Us" Lawsuit Saga

As Drake finds himself in the headlines with the dismissal of his lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, "Not Like Us," this article aims to shed light on this publicized legal battle. We will delve into the nuances of the case, explore media coverage, and discuss broader implications within the entertainment industry.

Main Topic Overview

Drake, one of the most influential artists in contemporary music, recently filed a lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar and Universal Music Group (UMG) regarding Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," claiming defamation. The track, released last year, allegedly contained inflammatory lyrics targeting Drake, prompting the lawsuit. As of now, a judge has dismissed this lawsuit, leading to various interpretations and opinions surrounding the case.

News Coverage

Drake's lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar diss track Not Like Us is dismissed

Source: BBC | Date: 2025-10-09

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BBC reported that the judge's decision to dismiss Drake's defamation suit against Kendrick Lamar highlights the complexities of artistic expression and legal boundaries. The track “Not Like Us” had stirred significant public attention due to its pointed lyrics. This dismissal is seen as a defense of free speech within the realm of artistic work, reinforcing the challenging balance between personal and creative rights.

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Judge Dismisses Drake’s Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

Source: The New York Times | Date: 2025-10-09

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The New York Times clarified that the court's ruling underscores a significant moment in entertainment law, where the boundaries of defamation are challenged by the lyrical nature of music. This case brings attention to how public figures navigate criticism within their professions. The decision also highlights the difficulties artists face in defending personal reputation against creative interpretations.

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Drake's 'Not Like Us' lawsuit tossed, judge says Kendrick Lamar landed 'killing blow'

Source: USA Today | Date: 2025-10-10

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USA Today highlighted the judge's firm stance, stating Kendrick Lamar's diss track does not meet the threshold for defamation. The ruling emphasizes the power of verbal artistry in hip hop and its protection under free speech. It's a notion that further fuels the creative rivalry narrative often celebrated in the music industry.

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NFL scores indirect win, with dismissal of "Not Like Us" lawsuit

Source: NBC Sports | Date: 2025-10-09

Thumbnail for NFL scores indirect win, with dismissal of Not Like Us lawsuit

NBC Sports reported an unexpected twist to the saga, commenting on the NFL's indirect involvement as parts of Kendrick Lamar's influential track included thematic elements relating to the sports event. This dismissal removes potential legal headaches for affiliated partners also tied to the broader discourse of this legal conflict.

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Universal Music Group Beats Drake’s “Not Like Us” Defamation Suit

Source: The Hollywood Reporter | Date: 2025-10-09

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The Hollywood Reporter detailed Universal Music Group's (UMG) legal victory, showcasing their robust defense against allegations of promoting defamatory content. This outcome solidifies UMG's standing as a guardian of their artists’ expressive rights, while the case adds to the strategic legal considerations music labels must navigate when producing contentious material.

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Drake’s lawsuit in connection with Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ tossed by judge

Source: CNN | Date: 2025-10-09

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CNN provided an account of the legal timeline, explaining how the judge’s dismissal concludes months of legal posturing, interviews, and public debates. This development may set a precedent impacting future artistic rivalries scrutinized under legal frameworks. With pivotal players like Drake and Kendrick involved, such cases draw intense public and legal interests.

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Judge dismisses Drake’s defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

Source: MSNBC News | Date: 2025-10-09

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MSNBC highlighted the implications of the case, pointing out how the decision may influence the fragile dynamics between legal systems and artistic endeavors. The ruling further affirms rap and hip-hop's role in pushing the boundaries of expression, often clashing with conventional legal interpretations.

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Drake's Lawsuit Over “Not Like Us” Is Officially Over

Source: GQ | Date: 2025-10-08

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GQ provides insights into the entertainment industry's reaction, citing the end of Drake’s legal pursuit as a pivotal moment for music label executives and artists alike. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities artists face in self-defending against lyrical provocations.

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Judge tosses out Drake's defamation lawsuit against label over Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us'

Source: AP News | Date: 2025-10-09

Thumbnail for Judge tosses out Drake's defamation lawsuit against label over Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us'

AP News corroborates other reports by emphasizing the judicial support for artistic dialogue. With Drake’s lawsuit dismissed against UMG, the narrative intertwines industry rights and personal identity checks, resonating strongly in pop culture discussions.

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Judge throws out rapper Drake’s lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar ‘diss’ track

Source: Financial Times | Date: 2025-10-09

Thumbnail for Judge throws out rapper Drake’s lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar ‘diss’ track

The Financial Times reported that the encounter signifies a blending of legal and music cultures, where boundary testing is common. The ruling dismissing Drake's claim encapsulates a broader commentary on free expression's position within commercial and artistic arenas.

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Summary / Insights

The dismissal of Drake's lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar touches on several critical facets within entertainment and legal systems. Each news outlet brings out unique perspectives, whether focusing on the implications for free speech, the hip hop industry’s role in creative expression, or the strategic defenses mounted by music labels like UMG. The unanimous ruling across multiple reports underscores the balance and often clash between defending personal reputation and respecting artistic freedoms.

TL;DR

Drake's lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar's track "Not Like Us" has been dismissed, emphasizing the importance of free speech within artistic works, supported by multiple media outlets recognizing this as a pivotal moment for the music and legal professions.