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A court official has dismissed Drake's defamation lawsuit against the music corporation over Kendrick Lamar’s track the diss record.

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

The Canadian rapper filed the lawsuit in January, claiming Universal Music Group, the record label representing both artists, of defamation by allowing the song to be released and promoted, saying it disseminated a "false and malicious narrative".

The artist’s spokesperson said he planned to challenge the ruling. Universal Music Group said it was pleased with the result and was looking forward to resuming its collaboration with the musician.

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 ongoing battle between the rival rappers.

It has emerged as the biggest hit of the rapper’s career, having won five Grammys and being one of the most-talked about moments of his Super Bowl performance in February.

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

"Both rappers’ seven-track rap battle was a 'war of words' that was the subject of substantial media scrutiny and digital debate," the judge noted.

"Although the accusation that Drake is a child predator is undoubtedly a serious one, the wider backdrop of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and insulting claims hurled by each artist, would not lead the average audience to believe that 'the track' conveys verifiable facts about plaintiff."

She additionally observed that, in an earlier song, the artist had "dared his rival to make the paedophilia accusations" that appeared in the diss record.

On the track his own release, the rapper used the synthetic vocals of the late rapper to give Lamar advice on how to prevail in the feud.

"Suggest he has a preference for minors, consider that a tip," the song proposed.

"It is in this context in which such lyrics as 'Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young' must be assessed," stated Judge Vargas.

"The similarity in the phrasing suggests strongly that this line is a direct callback to the artist’s own words in the earlier release."

'An Affront to Artists'

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

His lawyers accused the label of launching "an effort to create a viral hit" out of a track that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a convicted predator, and to suggest that the audience should turn to extra-legal action in retaliation".

Deciding against Drake, Judge Vargas said listeners would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a diss track "replete with vulgar language, trash-talking, violent implications, and exaggerated statements."

She highlighted that the rapper himself had engaged in comparable rhetoric, referencing a lyric in which the artist "heavily" implied that "Lamar is a spouse beater", and another where he "raps that he 'was told' that one of his rival’s sons may not be biologically his."

Concerning the track in question, Judge Vargas said: "Even seemingly factual claims may assume the character of subjective views... when made in public debate, intense arguments, or similar situations in which an listener may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or exaggeration."

Responding to the dismissal, a UMG spokesperson said: "From the beginning, this lawsuit was an affront to every creative and their artistic freedom and should not have seen the light of day."

"We're pleased with the judge’s ruling and look forward to continuing our partnership successfully marketing Drake's music and supporting his artistic path," the representative continued.

A spokesperson for the musician said the artist intended to contest the ruling, "and we await the appellate court reviewing it".

Lamar has yet to comment on the case.