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

Presiding Judge the court’s judge ruled that Lamar's song lyrics, which accused Drake and his associates of being "pedophiles", were "protected opinion" and cannot be deemed libelous.

The Canadian rapper submitted the lawsuit in January, accusing Universal Music Group, the music company behind both artists, of defamatory conduct by permitting the track to be released and marketed, stating it disseminated a "untrue and harmful story".

Drake's representative stated he planned to appeal the decision. Universal Music Group expressed it was satisfied with the result and was eager to continuing its work with the musician.

Background of the Rap Battle

Not Like Us, which was first dropped in May 2024, was widely seen as the decisive blow 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 highlights of his Super Bowl performance in early 2025.

In a 38-page order, the judge called the dispute between the rappers "the most notorious hip-hop feud in the history of rap music".

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

"Although the accusation that Drake is a pedophile is undoubtedly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and insulting claims hurled by both participants, would not lead the reasonable listener to believe that 'the track' imparts truthful statements about plaintiff."

She additionally observed that, in an earlier song, the artist had "dared his rival to make the pedophile claims" that featured in the diss record.

On the track his own release, Drake 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 track suggested.

"Against this backdrop in which such lyrics as 'Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young' must be evaluated," wrote Judge Vargas.

"The parallel in the wording strongly indicates that this line is a clear reference to Drake's lyrics in the prior song."

'An Affront to Artists'

The musician, whose real name is Aubrey Drake Graham, did not sue his rival in the legal filing.

His lawyers alleged the label of launching "an effort to generate a popular song" out of a track that made the "false factual allegation that Drake is a convicted predator, and to suggest that the public should turn to vigilante justice in retaliation".

Ruling against Drake, Judge Vargas said listeners would not expect "truthful accounts" from a musical attack "replete with vulgar language, trash-talking, violent implications, and exaggerated statements."

She pointed out that the rapper himself had engaged in similar language, referencing a lyric in which the artist "strongly" implied that "his opponent is a domestic abuser", and another where he "claims that he 'was told' that one of Lamar's children may not be his biological offspring."

Regarding the track in question, Judge Vargas said: "Although apparent statements of fact may assume the character of statements of opinion... when made in open discourse, heated labour dispute, or similar situations in which an listener may expect the use of slurs, passionate language or hyperbole."

Reacting to the rejection, a label spokesperson said: "From the beginning, this case was an insult to every creative and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day."

"We're pleased with the judge’s ruling and look forward to resuming our partnership successfully marketing Drake's music and investing in his career," the spokesperson continued.

A spokesperson for Drake said the rapper intended to contest the decision, "and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing it".

Lamar has not yet comment on the case.