Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a motion to dismiss Drake's defamation lawsuit, calling it "meritless" and "a misguided attempt to salve his wounds" following his rap battle with Kendrick Lamar.

The dispute centers around the song "Not Like Us" and its promotional materials. Drake's lawsuit claims the content falsely portrays him as a pedophile, while UMG argues the content represents protected First Amendment speech and "nonactionable opinion and rhetorical hyperbole."

Key points from UMG's dismissal motion:

• The rap battle, including exchanged "diss tracks," represents normal industry practice
• Drake himself made "incendiary attacks" against Lamar in previous tracks
• The controversial image of Drake's Toronto mansion with sex offender markers is "hyperbolic and exaggerated"
• No evidence suggests UMG intended to cause violence against Drake

The case's significance stems from "Not Like Us" reaching massive commercial audiences and Drake's claims of real-life consequences from the content. The court's decision will determine whether the content qualifies as protected speech or actionable defamation.

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