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A court official has dismissed Drake's defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar's song the diss record.

Judge Jeannette Vargas determined that the rapper’s lyrics, which accused the artist and his crew of being "certified paedophiles", were "nonactionable opinion" and cannot be deemed libelous.

The Canadian rapper submitted the lawsuit in early this year, claiming UMG, the music company representing the two rappers, of defamation by allowing the song to be published and promoted, saying it disseminated a "untrue and harmful story".

The artist’s representative said he intended to appeal the decision. UMG expressed it was pleased with the result and was looking forward to continuing its work with the musician.

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

Not Like Us, which was first dropped in May 2024, was broadly viewed as the final strike in an ongoing battle between the rival rappers.

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

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

"Both rappers’ seven-track rap battle was a 'verbal conflict' that was the subject of extensive press coverage and digital debate," the court wrote.

"Although the claim that Drake is a child predator is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with provocative remarks and offensive accusations exchanged by both participants, would not lead the average audience to believe that 'Not Like Us' imparts verifiable facts about plaintiff."

She additionally observed that, in an earlier song, the artist had "challenged Lamar to make the pedophile claims" that appeared in the diss record.

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

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

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

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

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

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

His lawyers accused UMG of launching "a campaign to generate a popular song" out of a track that made the "false factual allegation that Drake is a convicted predator, and to imply that the public should turn to extra-legal action in response".

Deciding against Drake, Judge Vargas said fans would not expect "truthful accounts" from a diss track "filled with vulgar language, insults, violent implications, and figurative and hyperbolic language."

She highlighted that Drake himself had used comparable rhetoric, referencing a line in which the star "heavily" implied that "Lamar is a domestic abuser", and a separate instance where Drake "claims that he 'was told' that one of Lamar's children may not be biologically his."

Regarding the track in question, the court said: "Although apparent statements of fact may take on the nature of statements of opinion... when made in public debate, intense arguments, or other circumstances in which an listener may expect the use of slurs, fiery rhetoric or exaggeration."

Responding to the rejection, a UMG spokesperson said: "From the outset, this case was an affront to every creative and their creative expression and never should have been filed."

"We are satisfied with the judge’s ruling and look forward to continuing our partnership effectively promoting the artist’s work and supporting his career," the spokesperson added.

A spokesperson for Drake said the artist intended to appeal the decision, "and we look forward to the appellate court reviewing it".

Kendrick Lamar has yet to comment on the case.