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A court official has dismissed the rapper Drake’s legal claim against Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar's song Not Like Us.

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

The Canadian rapper submitted the legal action in early this year, claiming UMG, the record label representing the two rappers, of defamatory conduct by allowing the song to be published and marketed, stating it disseminated a "false and malicious narrative".

The artist’s representative said he planned to challenge the decision. UMG said it was satisfied with the result and was eager to continuing its collaboration with the musician.

Background of the Hip-Hop Feud

The diss song, which was initially released 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 musical journey, having received five Grammys and being one of the most-discussed highlights of his Super Bowl half-time show in early 2025.

In a detailed ruling, the judge called the dispute between the artists "the most infamous rap battle in the genre's history".

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

"While the accusation that Drake is a pedophile is undoubtedly a grave allegation, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with provocative remarks and insulting claims exchanged by each artist, would not incline the average audience to believe that 'Not Like Us' conveys truthful statements about the claimant."

She also noted that, in an previous track, the artist had "dared Lamar to make the paedophilia accusations" that appeared in the diss record.

On the song his own release, Drake used the AI-generated voice of Tupac Shakur to suggest strategies on how to prevail in the feud.

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

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

"The parallel in the wording strongly indicates that this lyric is a clear reference to the artist’s own words in the prior song."

'An Affront to Artists'

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

His lawyers accused the label of initiating "a campaign to generate a popular song" out of a release that made the "untrue claim that the artist is a criminal paedophile, and to imply that the public should resort to extra-legal action in retaliation".

Deciding against Drake, Judge Vargas said fans would not expect "truthful accounts" from a musical attack "filled with vulgar language, insults, violent implications, and exaggerated statements."

She pointed out that Drake himself had engaged in similar language, quoting a line in which the artist "heavily" suggested that "Lamar is a spouse beater", and a separate instance where Drake "claims that he 'heard' that one of his rival’s sons may not be biologically his."

Regarding the track in question, Judge Vargas said: "Although seemingly factual claims may take on the nature of statements of opinion... when made in public debate, heated labour dispute, or similar situations in which an audience may expect the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or exaggeration."

Responding to the rejection, a UMG representative said: "From the beginning, this lawsuit was an affront to every creative and their artistic freedom and never should have seen the light of day."

"We're pleased with the judge’s ruling and are eager to continuing our partnership effectively marketing Drake's music and investing in his career," the representative continued.

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

Kendrick Lamar has not yet comment on the case.