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A court official has rejected Drake's defamation lawsuit targeting Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s track Not Like Us.

Presiding Judge Jeannette Vargas decided that Lamar's song lyrics, which accused Drake and his associates of being "pedophiles", were "protected opinion" and could not be considered defamatory.

Drake filed the legal action in early this year, claiming Universal Music Group, the music company behind the two rappers, of defamation by permitting the song to be released and marketed, saying it disseminated a "untrue and harmful story".

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

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

The diss song, which was initially released in spring 2024, was broadly viewed as the final strike in an continuing feud between the competing artists.

It has emerged as the biggest hit of the rapper’s musical journey, having received multiple Grammy awards and being one of the most-discussed highlights of his Super Bowl performance in early 2025.

In a 38-page order, the judge called the dispute between the rappers "the most notorious hip-hop feud in the history of rap music".

"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 claim that plaintiff is a child predator is certainly a serious one, the wider backdrop of a intense musical rivalry, with provocative remarks and insulting claims hurled by both participants, would not lead the reasonable listener to believe that 'Not Like Us' imparts verifiable facts about plaintiff."

She also noted that, in an previous track, the artist had "dared his rival to make the pedophile claims" that featured in the diss record.

On the track his own release, the rapper used the synthetic vocals of Tupac Shakur to give Lamar advice on how to prevail in the feud.

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

"Against this backdrop in which such lyrics as 'Hey Drake, I’ve heard you prefer them young' must be evaluated," stated the court.

"The parallel in the wording suggests strongly that this line is a clear reference to Drake's lyrics in the prior song."

'An Affront to Artists'

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

His lawyers alleged UMG of initiating "an effort to create a viral hit" out of a track that made the "false factual allegation that Drake is a convicted predator, and to suggest that the public should turn to vigilante justice in response".

Deciding against Drake, Judge Vargas said fans would not expect "truthful accounts" from a diss track "replete with profanity, insults, threats of violence, and exaggerated statements."

She pointed out that Drake himself had engaged in similar language, referencing a line in which the star "heavily" implied that "Lamar is a spouse beater", and a separate instance where Drake "claims that he 'heard' that one of Lamar's children may not be biologically his."

Concerning 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, heated labour dispute, or similar situations in which an listener may expect the use of slurs, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole."

Reacting to the rejection, a UMG representative said: "From the beginning, this lawsuit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have been filed."

"We're pleased with the court's dismissal and look forward to continuing our partnership effectively marketing Drake's music and investing in his artistic path," the representative continued.

A spokesperson for the musician said the artist planned to contest the ruling, "and we look forward to the appellate court examining it".

Lamar has not yet issue a statement on the case.