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A judge has thrown out Drake's legal claim targeting Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar’s song Not Like Us.

Presiding Judge the court’s judge ruled that the rapper’s lyrics, which accused the artist and his associates of being "certified paedophiles", were "protected opinion" and could not be deemed libelous.

The Canadian rapper submitted the legal action in early this year, claiming Universal Music Group, the music company behind both artists, of defamation by allowing the song to be published and marketed, stating it spread a "false and malicious narrative".

Drake's representative stated he intended to challenge the ruling. UMG said it was satisfied with the outcome and was looking forward to continuing its collaboration with the rapper.

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

The diss song, which was first dropped in May 2024, was widely seen as the decisive blow in an ongoing battle between the rival rappers.

It has become the most successful track of Lamar's career, having won five Grammys and being one of the most-talked about 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 focus of substantial media scrutiny and digital debate," the court wrote.

"Although the accusation that Drake is a pedophile is undoubtedly a grave allegation, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and insulting claims hurled by both participants, would not incline the average audience to believe that 'Not Like Us' imparts truthful statements about plaintiff."

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

On the song his own release, the rapper used the synthetic vocals of the late rapper to suggest strategies 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 lines as 'Hey Drake, I’ve heard you prefer them young' must be evaluated," stated Judge Vargas.

"The similarity in the wording strongly indicates that this lyric is a clear reference to Drake's lyrics in the prior song."

'An Affront to Artists'

The musician, whose legal name is Aubrey Graham, did not name Lamar in the legal filing.

His legal team alleged the label of initiating "a campaign to create a viral hit" out of a track that made the "untrue claim that the artist is a criminal paedophile, and to suggest that the public should resort to vigilante justice in response".

Ruling against Drake, the judge said fans would not expect "truthful accounts" from a musical attack "replete with profanity, trash-talking, violent implications, and figurative and hyperbolic language."

She pointed out that Drake himself had engaged in comparable rhetoric, quoting a line in which the artist "strongly" suggested that "Lamar is a domestic abuser", and another where Drake "raps that he 'heard' that one of Lamar's sons may not be biologically his."

Concerning Lamar's song, Judge Vargas said: "Although seemingly factual claims may assume the character of statements of opinion... when made in open discourse, intense arguments, or similar situations in which an listener may expect the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole."

Responding to the dismissal, a UMG representative said: "From the beginning, this case was an insult to all artists and their artistic freedom and should not have seen the light of day."

"We are satisfied with the court's dismissal and are eager to resuming our partnership successfully promoting Drake's music and investing in his artistic path," the spokesperson added.

A representative for Drake said the artist intended to appeal the ruling, "and we await the Court of Appeals reviewing it".

Lamar has yet to issue a statement on the case.