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A court official has thrown out Drake's defamation lawsuit targeting Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar’s track the diss record.

Judge Jeannette Vargas determined that the rapper’s song lyrics, which accused the artist and his associates of being "pedophiles", were "protected opinion" and could not be considered libelous.

Drake submitted the lawsuit in early this year, claiming UMG, the record label behind both artists, of defamatory conduct by permitting the song to be released and marketed, saying it disseminated a "untrue and harmful story".

Drake's spokesperson stated he intended to appeal the ruling. UMG said it was satisfied with the outcome and was eager to resuming its collaboration with the rapper.

Background of the Hip-Hop Feud

Not Like Us, which was first dropped in May 2024, was widely seen as the final strike in an continuing feud between the rival rappers.

It has become the most successful track of Lamar's career, having won multiple Grammy awards and being one of the most-discussed highlights of his Super Bowl half-time show in early 2025.

In a detailed ruling, the judge called the row between the rappers "the most infamous rap battle in the genre's history".

"Both rappers’ series of diss tracks was a 'war of words' that was the focus of substantial media scrutiny and digital debate," the judge noted.

"Although the accusation that plaintiff is a child predator is certainly a grave allegation, the broader context of a intense musical rivalry, with provocative remarks and offensive accusations hurled by each artist, would not lead the reasonable listener to believe that 'Not Like Us' conveys verifiable facts about plaintiff."

She also noted that, in an earlier song, the artist had "dared Lamar to make the pedophile claims" that featured in the diss record.

On the track Taylor Made Freestyle, the rapper used the synthetic vocals of Tupac Shakur to suggest strategies on how to win the rap battle.

"Suggest he has a preference for minors, consider that a tip," the track suggested.

"It is in this context in which such lyrics as 'Hey Drake, I’ve heard you prefer them young' must be assessed," stated Judge Vargas.

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

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

Drake, whose legal name is Aubrey Drake Graham, did not name his rival in the lawsuit.

His lawyers accused the label of initiating "an effort to generate a viral hit" out of a track that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a criminal paedophile, and to suggest that the public should turn to vigilante justice in retaliation".

Deciding against Drake, the judge said listeners would not expect "truthful accounts" from a diss track "filled with vulgar language, trash-talking, threats of violence, and figurative and hyperbolic language."

She highlighted that Drake himself had used comparable rhetoric, referencing a lyric in which the star "heavily" suggested that "his opponent is a domestic abuser", and a separate instance where he "raps that he 'heard' that one of his rival’s children may not be his biological offspring."

Concerning the track in question, Judge Vargas said: "Although seemingly factual claims may take on the nature of subjective views... when made in open discourse, heated labour dispute, or other circumstances in which an audience may expect the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole."

Responding to the dismissal, a label spokesperson said: "From the beginning, this lawsuit was an affront to every creative and their creative expression and never should have been filed."

"We're pleased with the court's dismissal and are eager to resuming our partnership effectively marketing Drake's music and investing in his career," the spokesperson added.

A spokesperson for Drake said the rapper planned to appeal the decision, "and we await the Court of Appeals reviewing it".

Lamar has yet to comment on the case.