A U.S. judge has thrown out Drake’s lawsuit for defamation regarding Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us

A judge in the federal court of New York has thrown out the defamation suit brought by Drake against Universal Music Group (UMG), stating that the lyrics featured in Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy-winning track “Not Like Us” are not defamatory.

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas noted that this case arises from “possibly the most notorious rap battle ever,” dismissing Drake’s argument that UMG harmed his name by endorsing the song.

Drake initiated the lawsuit in January, alleging that UMG propagated false claims and supported “vigilante justice.” Kendrick Lamar was not included as a defendant in the lawsuit.

UMG, which represents both musicians, denied any misconduct.

“A UMG representative commented following the decision that this lawsuit was an attack on artistic freedom and should not have been brought to the courts.”

The ongoing conflict between Drake and Lamar has led to various legal issues, including Drake's past complaints against iHeartMedia and Spotify regarding alleged unjust promotion of “Not Like Us.”

In spite of the disputes, the song earned Lamar a Grammy and heightened the intensity of one of the most discussed feuds in rap music.