How the NFL’s Dismissal of the ‘Not Like Us’ Lawsuit Signals an Indirect Victory for the League

The NFL has a bit less to worry about these days. Recently, a judge dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group. This came after Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance of “Not Like Us,” where he referred to Drake with some heavy accusations.

In her ruling, Judge Jeannette Vargas stated that the lyrics are part of the “hyperbole” typical in rap battles. She noted that while calling someone a “pedophile” is serious, the context of a rap feud makes it clear that listeners wouldn’t take it as a literal statement of fact. She explained that listeners recognize the heated, exaggerated style of rap as a form of entertainment, not an honest accusation.

Drake plans to appeal this decision, so the legal drama isn’t over yet. If the appeal moves forward, Drake could potentially challenge NFL witnesses about the decision to alter the lyrics for the halftime show, which removed the line that sparked the lawsuit.

Interestingly, the ongoing rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake highlights a larger trend in hip-hop, where artists often engage in lyrical duels. According to a recent survey by Billboard, about 60% of hip-hop fans believe that feuds like these are essential to the culture of rap music.

As the courts settle this issue, the rap rivalry is likely to continue to captivate fans, reminding everyone of the powerful emotional and dramatic nature of hip-hop.

In the end, while the NFL sidelines are clear of legal disputes for now, the world of rap remains as charged and engaging as ever.

For more on this topic, you can read the full coverage on Billboard.com.

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