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

Presiding Judge Jeannette Vargas determined that the rapper’s lyrics, which claimed Drake and his crew of being "certified paedophiles", were "nonactionable opinion" and cannot be considered libelous.

Drake submitted the lawsuit in early this year, claiming Universal Music Group, the music company representing the two rappers, of defamation by permitting the track to be released and promoted, stating it disseminated a "false and malicious narrative".

The artist’s spokesperson stated he planned to appeal the decision. Universal Music Group said it was pleased with the outcome and was eager to continuing its work with the rapper.

Background of the Hip-Hop Feud

The diss song, which was first dropped in spring 2024, was widely seen as the decisive blow in an ongoing battle between the competing artists.

It has become 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 performance in early 2025.

In a detailed ruling, the judge called the dispute between the artists "the most notorious hip-hop feud in the history of rap music".

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

"Although the claim that plaintiff is a child predator is undoubtedly a grave allegation, the broader context of a intense musical rivalry, with provocative remarks and offensive accusations exchanged by each artist, would not lead the average audience to believe that 'Not Like Us' imparts truthful statements about the claimant."

She also noted that, in an previous track, Drake had "dared Lamar to make the paedophilia accusations" that featured 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 win the rap battle.

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

"It is in this context in which such lines as 'Hey Drake, I’ve heard you prefer them young' must be assessed," stated Judge Vargas.

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

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

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

His legal team accused the label of initiating "an effort to generate a popular song" out of a track that made the "untrue claim that Drake is a convicted predator, and to imply that the audience should turn to extra-legal action in response".

Ruling against the plaintiff, Judge Vargas said listeners would not expect "truthful accounts" from a musical attack "filled with profanity, insults, threats of violence, and exaggerated statements."

She highlighted that Drake himself had engaged in similar language, quoting a line in which the star "strongly" implied that "his opponent is a spouse beater", and a separate instance where he "raps that he 'heard' that one of his rival’s sons may not be his biological offspring."

Regarding the track in question, the court said: "Even seemingly factual claims may assume the character of subjective views... when made in open discourse, heated labour dispute, or similar situations in which an listener may expect the use of epithets, passionate language 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 should not have seen the light of day."

"We are satisfied with the judge’s ruling and look forward to resuming our partnership successfully promoting Drake's music and supporting his artistic path," the representative continued.

A representative for Drake said the rapper intended to contest the ruling, "and we await the Court of Appeals examining it".

Lamar has not yet issue a statement on the legal matter.