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A judge has rejected Drake's defamation lawsuit targeting Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s song the diss record.

Judge the court’s judge ruled that Lamar's lyrics, which claimed the artist and his associates of being "certified paedophiles", were "nonactionable opinion" and cannot be deemed libelous.

The Canadian rapper filed the lawsuit in January, claiming UMG, the record label behind both artists, of defamation by allowing the song to be released and promoted, saying it disseminated a "false and malicious narrative".

The artist’s representative said he intended to appeal the ruling. UMG expressed it was pleased with the result and was looking forward to continuing its work with the musician.

Background of the Hip-Hop Feud

Not Like Us, which was initially released in spring 2024, was widely seen as the decisive blow in an continuing feud between the competing artists.

It has emerged as 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 38-page order, the judge called the dispute between the rappers "the most notorious hip-hop feud in the history of rap music".

"The artists' series of diss tracks was a 'verbal conflict' that was the focus of extensive press coverage and digital debate," the court wrote.

"While the claim that Drake is a pedophile is undoubtedly a grave allegation, the wider backdrop of a intense musical rivalry, with provocative remarks and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not lead the average audience to believe that 'the track' imparts verifiable facts about the claimant."

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

On the song his own release, Drake used the synthetic vocals of the late rapper to give Lamar advice on how to win the rap battle.

"Talk about him likin' young girls, that's a gift from me," 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 similarity in the phrasing strongly indicates that this lyric is a direct callback to the artist’s own words in the earlier release."

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

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

His legal team accused UMG of initiating "an effort to generate a popular song" out of a release that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a convicted predator, and to imply that the audience should resort to extra-legal action in retaliation".

Deciding against Drake, the judge said listeners would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a diss track "filled with vulgar language, trash-talking, violent implications, and figurative and hyperbolic language."

She pointed out that Drake himself had engaged in similar language, referencing a lyric in which the artist "strongly" suggested that "Lamar is a domestic abuser", and another where he "raps that he 'was told' that one of Lamar's sons may not be biologically his."

Regarding the track in question, the court said: "Even seemingly factual claims may assume the character of statements of opinion... when made in open discourse, heated labour dispute, or similar situations in which an listener may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole."

Responding to the dismissal, a label spokesperson said: "From the beginning, this lawsuit was an insult to every creative and their artistic freedom and never should have seen the light of day."

"We are satisfied with the judge’s ruling and are eager to resuming our partnership successfully marketing the artist’s work and supporting his artistic path," the spokesperson continued.

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

Kendrick Lamar has yet to comment on the case.