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A judge has dismissed Drake's legal claim against the music corporation concerning Kendrick Lamar's song Not Like Us.

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

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

Drake's spokesperson said he planned to appeal the decision. Universal Music Group said it was pleased with the result and was looking forward to continuing its collaboration with the musician.

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

Not Like Us, which was first dropped in spring 2024, was broadly viewed as the decisive blow in an continuing feud between the rival rappers.

It has emerged as the most successful track of the rapper’s musical journey, having won five Grammys and being one of the most-talked about moments of his Super Bowl half-time show in February.

In a 38-page order, 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 focus of extensive press coverage and online discourse," the judge wrote.

"Although the accusation that Drake is a child predator is undoubtedly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and insulting claims exchanged by each artist, would not incline the average audience to believe that 'the track' conveys verifiable facts about plaintiff."

She also noted that, in an previous track, the artist had "challenged his rival to make the paedophilia accusations" that appeared in the diss record.

On the track his own release, Drake used the AI-generated voice of the late rapper to give Lamar advice on how to prevail in the feud.

"Talk about him likin' young girls, that's a gift from me," the track suggested.

"It is in this context in which such lyrics as 'Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young' must be assessed," wrote Judge Vargas.

"The parallel in the phrasing strongly indicates that this line is a clear reference to Drake's lyrics in the earlier release."

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

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

His legal team alleged the label of initiating "an effort to generate a viral hit" out of a track that made the "untrue claim that the artist is a convicted predator, and to suggest that the audience should turn to extra-legal action in response".

Ruling against Drake, Judge Vargas said listeners would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a diss track "filled with vulgar language, insults, threats of violence, and figurative and hyperbolic language."

She pointed out that the rapper himself had used similar language, referencing a line in which the star "strongly" suggested that "his opponent is a domestic abuser", and a separate instance where Drake "claims that he 'was told' that one of Lamar's sons may not be biologically his."

Concerning the track in question, Judge Vargas said: "Although seemingly factual claims may assume the character of statements of opinion... when made in public debate, heated labour dispute, or similar situations in which an audience may anticipate the use of slurs, passionate language or exaggeration."

Reacting to the rejection, a label representative said: "From the outset, this case was an affront to all artists and their artistic freedom and never should have seen the light of day."

"We're pleased with the judge’s ruling and look forward to continuing our partnership successfully promoting the artist’s work and supporting his artistic path," the representative continued.

A representative for the musician said the rapper intended to appeal the ruling, "and we await the Court of Appeals examining it".

Lamar has not yet issue a statement on the case.