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A judge has thrown out Drake's legal claim against the music corporation concerning Kendrick Lamar's track the diss record.

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

Drake submitted the lawsuit in January, accusing Universal Music Group, the music company behind both artists, of defamatory conduct by permitting the track to be released and promoted, saying it disseminated a "false and malicious narrative".

Drake's representative stated he planned to challenge the decision. Universal Music Group said it was pleased with the outcome and was looking forward to continuing its collaboration with the musician.

Context of the Rap Battle

Not Like Us, which was initially released in spring 2024, was widely seen as the decisive blow in an ongoing battle between the rival rappers.

It has emerged as the most successful track of the rapper’s career, having received five Grammys and being one of the most-discussed moments of his Super Bowl performance in early 2025.

In a 38-page order, the judge called the dispute between the artists "the most notorious hip-hop feud in the history of rap music".

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

"Although the accusation that Drake 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 incline the average audience to believe that 'the track' imparts truthful statements about the claimant."

She also noted that, in an previous track, the artist had "challenged Lamar to make the pedophile claims" that appeared in Not Like Us.

On the track his own release, the rapper used the synthetic vocals of the late rapper to suggest strategies on how to prevail in the feud.

"Suggest he has a preference for minors, consider that a tip," the track proposed.

"Against this backdrop in which such lines as 'Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young' must be evaluated," stated Judge Vargas.

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

'An Affront to Artists'

The musician, whose legal name is Aubrey Drake Graham, did not sue Lamar in the legal filing.

His lawyers accused UMG of initiating "a campaign to create a popular song" out of a track that made the "false factual allegation that Drake is a convicted predator, and to imply that the audience should resort to vigilante justice in retaliation".

Deciding against the plaintiff, the judge said fans would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a diss track "replete with profanity, insults, violent implications, and figurative and hyperbolic language."

She pointed out that Drake himself had used comparable rhetoric, quoting a lyric in which the artist "heavily" implied that "his opponent is a spouse beater", and another where he "claims that he 'was told' that one of Lamar's sons may not be his biological offspring."

Concerning Lamar's song, the court said: "Even seemingly factual claims may assume the character of subjective views... when made in public debate, intense arguments, or similar situations in which an audience may expect the use of slurs, passionate language or hyperbole."

Responding to the rejection, a label spokesperson said: "From the outset, this case was an insult to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day."

"We're pleased with the judge’s ruling and look forward to resuming our partnership successfully promoting Drake's music and supporting his career," the representative added.

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

Lamar has not yet comment on the case.