Drake's Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" Is Dismissed, Sparking Reactions From Fans And Critics

Drake suffered another loss in court this time. On Thursday, October 9, a federal judge dismissed Drizzy’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, prompting a surge of reactions on social media timelines.

In January 2025, the 6 God took his own label to court, claiming that its promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” had damaged his reputation, primarily because the track referred to him as a “certified pedophile.” Judge Jeannette A. Vargas determined in her decision that the song’s lyrics are considered “non-actionable opinion.”

The Court’s conclusion that the supposedly defamatory comments made in ‘Not Like Us’ are nonactionable opinions has led to the granting of the motion to dismiss, as stated in Vargas’ opinion.

Vargas described the song as stemming from “the most infamous rap battle in the genre’s history.” The penultimate song in this feud, ‘Not Like Us’ by Kendrick Lamar, delivered the metaphorical knockout blow.

Ouch.

According to sources, Drake’s legal team has pledged to contest the ruling. The public’s reaction is evident, with the prevailing tone of public discourse largely unfavorable to the “One Dance” artist.

According to Charlamagne Tha God, on Friday (Oct. 10) when discussing the case, “This lawsuit wasn’t filed for any reason other than Drake’s feelings were hurt because Kendrick destroyed him in a rap battle, it really is that straightforward.” It’s astonishing that the lawsuit dragged on for a full year and has reached this stage. This man got his backside busted in a classic rap fight. We’ve never seen how Drake reacts when faced with real pressure, and that’s exactly as it should be. More can be learned about others through a loss than through a victory. It appears Drake often struggles to accept defeat.

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Social media was filled with similar opinions and sentiments. “Drake’s ridiculous lawsuit has been dismissed as it should have been,” tweeted @myhumbleopinyun on X. “Apparently you can call someone a racist in a rap battle. Somebody check on the Owls.”

As @DaKidGowie stated on X, “Drake likely damaged his reputation more by taking the rapper to court than by accepting defeat in the battle with Kendrick Lamar.”

Notwithstanding the controversy, Drake’s career continues to flourish. The Toronto rapper is said to be releasing a new album called Iceman before the end of the year following a tour of Europe over the summer.