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A court official has thrown out Drake's legal claim targeting the music corporation concerning Kendrick Lamar's song the diss record.

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

The Canadian rapper submitted the lawsuit in January, accusing UMG, the music company behind the two rappers, of defamation by permitting the song to be released and promoted, stating it disseminated a "false and malicious narrative".

Drake's representative said he intended to appeal the ruling. UMG said it was satisfied with the result and was looking forward to continuing its work with the rapper.

Context of the Rap Battle

Not Like Us, which was first dropped in May 2024, was widely seen as the decisive blow in an ongoing battle between the competing artists.

It has emerged as the biggest hit of Lamar's musical journey, having won multiple Grammy awards and being one of the most-talked about moments of his Super Bowl half-time show in February.

In a 38-page order, the judge called the row between the artists "the most notorious hip-hop feud in the genre's history".

"Both rappers’ seven-track rap battle was a 'war of words' that was the subject of extensive press coverage and online discourse," the court noted.

"Although the accusation that Drake is a pedophile is undoubtedly a grave allegation, the broader context of a intense musical rivalry, with provocative remarks and insulting claims hurled by both participants, would not lead the average audience to believe that 'Not Like Us' conveys verifiable facts about the claimant."

She also noted that, in an earlier song, Drake had "challenged his rival to make the pedophile claims" that featured in Not Like Us.

On the song Taylor Made Freestyle, the rapper used the AI-generated voice of the late rapper to give Lamar advice 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 assessed," stated the court.

"The similarity in the phrasing 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 legal name is Aubrey Drake Graham, did not sue Lamar in the legal filing.

His legal team alleged UMG of initiating "an effort to create a viral hit" out of a track that made the "untrue claim that Drake is a criminal paedophile, and to imply that the public should turn to vigilante justice in retaliation".

Deciding against Drake, the judge said fans would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a musical attack "replete with vulgar language, trash-talking, threats of violence, and exaggerated statements."

She highlighted that the rapper himself had used similar language, referencing a line in which the artist "strongly" suggested that "Lamar is a domestic abuser", and another where he "claims that he 'heard' that one of his rival’s sons may not be his biological offspring."

Concerning the track in question, the court said: "Even apparent statements of fact may assume the character of subjective views... when made in open discourse, heated labour dispute, or other circumstances in which an audience may expect the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or exaggeration."

Reacting to the dismissal, a label spokesperson said: "From the beginning, this case was an affront to every creative and their artistic freedom and should not have been filed."

"We're pleased with the judge’s ruling and are eager to resuming our partnership effectively promoting the artist’s work and investing in his artistic path," the spokesperson added.

A spokesperson for the musician said the artist intended to appeal the decision, "and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing it".

Kendrick Lamar has yet to comment on the case.