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A judge has dismissed Drake's defamation lawsuit targeting Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar’s song the diss record.

Judge Jeannette Vargas decided that Lamar's song lyrics, which accused the artist and his associates of being "pedophiles", were "protected opinion" and could not be deemed defamatory.

Drake filed the legal action in early this year, accusing Universal Music Group, the record label behind both artists, of defamatory conduct by allowing the track to be published and promoted, saying it disseminated a "untrue and harmful story".

The artist’s representative said he intended to appeal the decision. Universal Music Group expressed it was pleased with the outcome and was looking forward to resuming its collaboration with the rapper.

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

Not Like Us, which was initially released in spring 2024, was widely seen as the final strike in an continuing feud between the competing artists.

It has emerged as the most successful track of the rapper’s musical journey, having received five Grammys and being one of the most-discussed moments of his Super Bowl performance in February.

In a detailed ruling, the judge called the row between the artists "the most notorious hip-hop feud in the genre's history".

"The artists' seven-track rap battle was a 'verbal conflict' that was the subject of substantial media scrutiny and digital debate," the judge noted.

"Although the claim that Drake is a child predator is undoubtedly a grave allegation, the wider backdrop of a heated rap battle, with provocative remarks and insulting claims hurled by each artist, would not lead the reasonable listener to believe that 'Not Like Us' imparts truthful statements about plaintiff."

She also noted that, in an earlier song, the artist had "dared his rival to make the paedophilia accusations" that featured in the diss record.

On the song Taylor Made Freestyle, the rapper used the synthetic vocals of Tupac Shakur to suggest strategies on how to prevail in the feud.

"Talk about him likin' young girls, that's a gift from me," the song proposed.

"Against this backdrop in which such lyrics as 'Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young' must be evaluated," stated the court.

"The parallel in the wording suggests strongly that this lyric is a clear reference to the artist’s own words in the earlier release."

'An Affront to Artists'

Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Graham, did not name Lamar in the legal filing.

His lawyers alleged the label of launching "an effort to create a popular song" out of a release that made the "false factual allegation that Drake is a convicted predator, and to suggest that the audience should turn to extra-legal action in response".

Ruling against the plaintiff, Judge Vargas said listeners would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a diss track "replete with vulgar language, insults, threats of violence, and exaggerated statements."

She pointed out that Drake himself had engaged in similar language, referencing a line in which the star "strongly" suggested that "Lamar is a spouse beater", and another where Drake "raps that he 'was told' that one of his rival’s children may not be biologically his."

Concerning the track in question, the court said: "Although seemingly factual claims may assume the character of subjective views... when made in open discourse, heated labour dispute, or similar situations in which an audience may anticipate the use of epithets, passionate language or hyperbole."

Reacting to the rejection, a UMG representative said: "From the outset, this lawsuit was an insult to every creative and their artistic freedom and should not have been filed."

"We're pleased with the court's dismissal and are eager to resuming our partnership effectively marketing Drake's music and supporting his artistic path," the representative continued.

A representative for the musician said the artist planned to appeal the decision, "and we await the Court of Appeals reviewing it".

Kendrick Lamar has not yet comment on the case.