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A judge has dismissed Drake's defamation lawsuit against the music corporation concerning Kendrick Lamar’s song the diss record.

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

The Canadian rapper submitted the lawsuit in January, accusing Universal Music Group, the record label representing the two rappers, of defamatory conduct by permitting the song to be published and promoted, stating it disseminated a "untrue and harmful story".

The artist’s spokesperson stated he planned to appeal the decision. UMG said it was satisfied with the outcome and was looking forward to resuming its work with the rapper.

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

Not Like Us, which was first dropped in spring 2024, was broadly viewed as the final strike in an continuing feud between the competing artists.

It has become the most successful track of Lamar's musical journey, having won five Grammys and being one of the most-discussed highlights of his Super Bowl performance in early 2025.

In a 38-page order, Judge Vargas called the row between the artists "the most infamous rap battle in the genre's history".

"Both rappers’ series of diss tracks was a 'verbal conflict' that was the subject of substantial media scrutiny and online discourse," the judge noted.

"Although the claim that Drake is a pedophile is undoubtedly a serious one, the broader context of a intense musical rivalry, with incendiary language and insulting claims exchanged by both participants, would not incline the average audience to believe that 'Not Like Us' conveys verifiable facts about the claimant."

She additionally observed that, in an earlier song, Drake had "dared Lamar to make the paedophilia accusations" that featured in the diss record.

On the song Taylor Made Freestyle, the rapper used the AI-generated voice of Tupac Shakur to give Lamar advice on how to win the rap battle.

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

"Against this backdrop in which such lines 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 Graham, did not sue Lamar in the legal filing.

His legal team accused the label of initiating "an effort to create a popular song" out of a release that made the "untrue claim that the artist is a criminal paedophile, and to imply that the audience should turn to extra-legal action in response".

Deciding against Drake, the judge said fans would not expect "truthful accounts" from a diss track "replete with profanity, insults, threats of violence, and exaggerated statements."

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

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

Reacting to the dismissal, a UMG representative said: "From the outset, this case was an insult to every creative and their artistic freedom and should not have seen the light of day."

"We're pleased with the court's dismissal and look forward to resuming our partnership effectively promoting Drake's music and supporting his career," the spokesperson continued.

A spokesperson for Drake said the artist intended to contest the ruling, "and we await the Court of Appeals reviewing it".

Lamar has yet to issue a statement on the case.