Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a motion to dismiss Drake's defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" track and its promotional materials.

UMG argues that Drake's lawsuit is merely "a misguided attempt to salve his wounds" after losing a rap battle he initiated with Kendrick Lamar. The label contends that the case has no legal merit and should be dismissed.

Key points from UMG's dismissal motion:

• The diss tracks exchanged between Drake and Lamar represent typical rap battle content
• "Not Like Us" contains protected First Amendment speech consisting of "nonactionable opinion and rhetorical hyperbole"
• The controversial image of Drake's Toronto mansion with sex offender markers is clearly hyperbolic and not meant to be taken as fact
• Drake's suit fails to prove UMG specifically intended to cause him harm

The lawsuit stems from Drake's claims that "Not Like Us" promotes "the false and malicious narrative that Drake is a pedophile." Drake and his legal team have emphasized the real-life consequences of the track's promotional materials.

While many industry observers agree with UMG's position that the lawsuit is merely Drake's attempt to even the score in his rap battle with Lamar, the court's decision may hinge on the extensive commercial reach of "Not Like Us" and its alleged impact on Drake's reputation.

Related Articles

Previous Articles