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A court official has dismissed Drake's defamation lawsuit targeting Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar's song Not Like Us.

Judge Jeannette Vargas decided that Lamar's lyrics, which accused the artist and his associates of being "certified paedophiles", were "nonactionable opinion" and cannot be considered defamatory.

The Canadian rapper submitted the legal action in January, claiming Universal Music Group, the music company behind both artists, of defamation by allowing the track to be published and marketed, saying it spread a "untrue and harmful story".

The artist’s spokesperson stated he planned to appeal the ruling. UMG said it was satisfied with the outcome and was eager to continuing its collaboration with the musician.

Background of the Hip-Hop Feud

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

It has become the most successful track of Lamar's career, having received five Grammys and being one of the most-discussed highlights of his Super Bowl half-time show in early 2025.

In a 38-page order, Judge Vargas called the dispute between the rappers "the most notorious hip-hop feud in the genre's history".

"The artists' series of diss tracks was a 'war of words' that was the focus of substantial media scrutiny and digital debate," the judge noted.

"While the accusation 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 average audience to believe that 'the track' conveys truthful statements about the claimant."

She also noted that, in an previous track, Drake had "challenged his rival to make the pedophile claims" that appeared in the diss record.

On the track Taylor Made Freestyle, Drake used the AI-generated voice of the late rapper to suggest strategies on how to prevail in the feud.

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

"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 phrasing suggests strongly that this lyric is a clear reference to Drake's lyrics in the prior song."

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

The musician, whose real name is Aubrey Drake Graham, did not sue his rival in the lawsuit.

His legal team accused UMG of launching "a campaign to generate a popular song" out of a release that made the "untrue claim that the artist is a convicted predator, and to imply that the audience should turn to vigilante justice in retaliation".

Ruling against Drake, the judge said listeners would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a diss track "replete with vulgar language, trash-talking, threats of violence, and exaggerated statements."

She pointed out that the rapper himself had used similar language, referencing a line in which the artist "heavily" implied that "his opponent is a domestic abuser", and another where Drake "raps that he 'was told' that one of his rival’s sons may not be his biological offspring."

Concerning the track in question, the court said: "Even seemingly factual claims may assume the character of subjective views... when made in public debate, heated labour dispute, or similar situations in which an audience may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or exaggeration."

Responding to the dismissal, a UMG spokesperson said: "From the beginning, this case was an insult to all artists and their artistic freedom and never should have been filed."

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

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

Kendrick Lamar has not yet comment on the legal matter.