Judge Dismisses Rapper Drake's Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar's Diss Track

A court official has rejected the rapper Drake’s legal claim against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s track Not Like Us.

Presiding Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the rapper’s lyrics, which claimed the artist and his associates of being "certified paedophiles", were "nonactionable opinion" and cannot be deemed libelous.

The Canadian rapper filed the legal action in January, accusing Universal Music Group, the music company representing both artists, of defamation by permitting the track to be released and marketed, saying it spread a "untrue and harmful story".

Drake's spokesperson stated he planned to challenge the ruling. UMG expressed it was satisfied with the outcome and was eager to resuming its work with the rapper.

Background of the Hip-Hop Feud

Not Like Us, which was first dropped in spring 2024, was broadly viewed as the final strike in an ongoing battle between the competing artists.

It has emerged as the biggest hit of Lamar's musical journey, having received multiple Grammy awards and being one of the most-talked about moments of his Super Bowl performance in early 2025.

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

"The artists' series of diss tracks was a 'verbal conflict' that was the subject of substantial media scrutiny and digital debate," the court noted.

"While the claim that Drake is a child predator is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations hurled by each artist, would not lead the reasonable listener to believe that 'Not Like Us' conveys verifiable facts about plaintiff."

She also noted that, in an earlier song, Drake had "dared Lamar to make the paedophilia accusations" that featured in Not Like Us.

On the track Taylor Made Freestyle, Drake used the synthetic vocals of Tupac Shakur to suggest strategies on how to win the rap battle.

"Suggest he has a preference for minors, consider that a tip," the song suggested.

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

"The similarity in the wording strongly indicates that this line is a direct callback to the artist’s own words in the prior song."

'An Affront to Artists'

Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Graham, did not sue his rival in the legal filing.

His lawyers alleged UMG of initiating "a campaign to create a popular song" out of a track that made the "untrue claim that Drake is a convicted predator, and to suggest that the public should turn to extra-legal action in retaliation".

Ruling against Drake, Judge Vargas said listeners would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a musical attack "filled with vulgar language, insults, threats of violence, and exaggerated statements."

She highlighted that the rapper himself had engaged in similar language, quoting a lyric in which the star "strongly" suggested that "Lamar is a spouse beater", and a separate instance where he "claims that he 'heard' that one of Lamar's children may not be his biological offspring."

Regarding Lamar's song, Judge Vargas said: "Although seemingly factual claims may take on the nature of subjective views... when made in public debate, heated labour dispute, or similar situations in which an audience may anticipate the use of slurs, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole."

Reacting to the rejection, a label spokesperson said: "From the outset, this lawsuit was an insult to every creative and their artistic freedom and never should have been filed."

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

A representative for Drake said the artist planned to appeal the ruling, "and we look forward to the Court of Appeals examining it".

Lamar has not yet comment on the case.