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A court official has rejected Drake's legal claim targeting Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar’s song the diss record.

Judge the court’s judge decided that Lamar's song lyrics, which claimed the artist and his crew of being "pedophiles", were "protected opinion" and could not be deemed defamatory.

Drake filed the lawsuit in early this year, claiming Universal Music Group, the music company behind both artists, of defamatory conduct by allowing the song to be released and promoted, stating it spread a "false and malicious narrative".

The artist’s spokesperson said he intended to challenge the decision. UMG said it was pleased with the result and was eager to resuming its collaboration with the rapper.

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

Not Like Us, which was initially released in May 2024, was broadly viewed as the decisive blow in an continuing feud between the rival rappers.

It has emerged as the biggest hit of the rapper’s musical journey, having won five Grammys and being one of the most-discussed moments of his Super Bowl half-time show in early 2025.

In a detailed ruling, Judge Vargas called the dispute between the artists "the most infamous rap battle in the history of rap music".

"The artists' series of diss tracks was a 'war of words' that was the subject of substantial media scrutiny and digital debate," the court wrote.

"Although the claim that plaintiff is a child predator is certainly a grave allegation, the wider backdrop of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and insulting claims exchanged by both participants, would not lead the average audience to believe that 'the track' conveys verifiable facts about the claimant."

She additionally observed that, in an previous track, Drake had "challenged 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 the late rapper to give Lamar advice on how to win the rap battle.

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

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

"The similarity in the wording suggests strongly that this line is a clear reference to the artist’s own words in the prior song."

'An Affront to Artists'

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

His lawyers alleged the label of initiating "a campaign to generate a popular song" out of a track that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a criminal paedophile, and to imply that the public should turn to vigilante justice in response".

Ruling against the plaintiff, the judge said fans would not expect "truthful accounts" from a musical attack "replete with profanity, insults, threats of violence, and exaggerated statements."

She highlighted that Drake himself had engaged in similar language, referencing a line in which the artist "strongly" suggested that "Lamar is a spouse beater", and another where Drake "claims that he 'heard' that one of his rival’s sons may not be biologically his."

Regarding Lamar's song, Judge Vargas said: "Even 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 expect the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or exaggeration."

Responding to the dismissal, a UMG spokesperson said: "From the beginning, this case was an affront to every creative and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day."

"We are satisfied with the court's dismissal and are eager to continuing our partnership successfully marketing the artist’s work and supporting his artistic path," the spokesperson continued.

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

Kendrick Lamar has yet to issue a statement on the legal matter.