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A judge has rejected the rapper Drake’s legal claim against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s track the diss record.

Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the rapper’s song lyrics, which claimed the artist and his associates of being "pedophiles", were "protected opinion" and could not be deemed libelous.

The Canadian rapper filed the legal action in early this year, accusing UMG, the music company behind the two rappers, of defamation by permitting the track to be released and promoted, saying it disseminated a "false and malicious narrative".

The artist’s representative said he intended to challenge the ruling. Universal Music Group said it was pleased with the outcome and was looking forward to resuming its collaboration with the rapper.

Background of the Hip-Hop Feud

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

It has emerged as the most successful track of the rapper’s career, having received multiple Grammy awards 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 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 online discourse," the judge wrote.

"While the claim that plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a grave allegation, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and insulting claims hurled by both participants, would not lead the average audience to believe that 'Not Like Us' conveys truthful statements about plaintiff."

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

On the track his own release, the rapper 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 track suggested.

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

"The similarity in the wording suggests strongly that this line is a direct callback to Drake's lyrics in the prior song."

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

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

His legal team accused the label of launching "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 resort to vigilante justice in retaliation".

Ruling against the plaintiff, the judge said fans would not expect "truthful accounts" from a diss track "filled with vulgar language, trash-talking, violent implications, and exaggerated statements."

She pointed out that Drake himself had used similar language, referencing a line in which the artist "heavily" implied that "his opponent is a spouse beater", and a separate instance where Drake "claims that he 'was told' that one of his rival’s sons may not be biologically his."

Regarding Lamar's song, Judge Vargas said: "Although apparent statements of fact may take on the nature of statements of opinion... when made in public debate, intense arguments, or similar situations in which an audience may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole."

Responding to the dismissal, a label spokesperson said: "From the beginning, this case was an insult to all artists and their artistic freedom 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 investing in his career," the spokesperson continued.

A spokesperson for Drake said the rapper planned to contest the ruling, "and we await the appellate court examining it".

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