Universal Music Group claims in their new motion to dismiss Drake’s lawsuit that he is trying to “chill” diss tracks by suing UMG for defamation over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.”
UMG Files New Motion to Dismiss Drake Lawsuit
On Wednesday (May 7), UMG filed another motion to dismiss Drake’s federal defamation lawsuit. The latest filing argues Drake failed to properly state a claim for defamation, partly due to Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics being protected under the First Amendment. “Assessed in context, as it must be, ‘Not Like Us’ conveys nonactionable opinion and rhetorical hyperbole,” the filing reads.
The suit also claims Drizzy is trying to put a freeze on artistic expression, specifically the art of diss tracks. “Indeed, diss tracks are a popular and celebrated art form centered around outrageous insults, and they would be chilled if Drake’s suit were permitted to proceed,” the UMG lawyers say. “These allegations—directly aimed at chilling legitimate artistic expression safeguarded by the First Amendment.”
UMG has previously accused Drake of filing the lawsuit only after being upset that he lost the rap battle with Kendrick that Drake egged on.
Read More: Kendrick Lamar, Drake and Three Days of Disses That Changed Everything
The newest motion comes two months after Drake amended the lawsuit he originally filed against UMG in January. In the latest addition, Drake’s lawyers added Kendrick Lamar performing “Not Like Us” at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show to their list of complaints.
XXL has reached out to Drake’s attorney for comment.
Last week marked the one-year anniversary of Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s epic rap battle. However, the saga continues between Drake and UMG.
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