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A judge has dismissed the rapper Drake’s legal claim against Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar's song Not Like Us.

Judge Jeannette Vargas decided that Lamar's song lyrics, which accused the artist and his crew of being "pedophiles", were "protected opinion" and could not be considered libelous.

The Canadian rapper submitted the legal action in early this year, accusing UMG, the record label representing both artists, of defamatory conduct by allowing the song to be released and promoted, stating it spread a "false and malicious narrative".

The artist’s representative stated he intended to challenge the ruling. UMG expressed it was satisfied with the outcome and was eager to continuing its work with the musician.

Context of the Rap Battle

The diss song, which was first dropped in spring 2024, was broadly viewed as the decisive blow in an continuing feud between the competing artists.

It has become the biggest hit of the rapper’s musical journey, having received five Grammys and being one of the most-discussed highlights of his Super Bowl half-time show in February.

In a detailed ruling, Judge Vargas called the row between the rappers "the most infamous rap battle in the genre's history".

"The artists' seven-track rap battle was a 'war of words' that was the focus of extensive press coverage and online discourse," the court wrote.

"Although the accusation that plaintiff is a child predator is undoubtedly a serious one, the broader context of a intense musical rivalry, with provocative remarks and insulting claims exchanged by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that 'Not Like Us' conveys verifiable facts about plaintiff."

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

On the track Taylor Made Freestyle, the rapper 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 song suggested.

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

"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 alleged UMG of initiating "an effort to generate a viral hit" out of a track that made the "untrue claim that Drake is a convicted predator, and to imply that the public should resort to extra-legal action in retaliation".

Deciding against Drake, Judge Vargas said listeners would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a diss track "filled with vulgar language, trash-talking, threats of violence, and exaggerated statements."

She highlighted that the rapper himself had engaged in similar language, referencing a line in which the artist "strongly" suggested that "Lamar is a spouse beater", and another where he "raps that he 'was told' that one of Lamar's children may not be his biological offspring."

Concerning Lamar's song, the court said: "Although apparent statements of fact may assume the character of subjective views... when made in public debate, intense arguments, or other circumstances in which an listener may expect the use of slurs, passionate language or hyperbole."

Reacting to the rejection, a UMG spokesperson said: "From the outset, this lawsuit was an insult to every creative and their creative expression and should not have seen the light of day."

"We are satisfied with the judge’s ruling and look forward to resuming our partnership effectively promoting the artist’s work and supporting his career," the spokesperson added.

A representative for Drake said the rapper planned to contest the ruling, "and we look forward to the appellate court reviewing it".

Lamar has not yet comment on the legal matter.