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

A judge has thrown out the rapper Drake’s defamation lawsuit targeting the music corporation over Kendrick Lamar’s song Not Like Us.

Judge the court’s judge ruled that the rapper’s lyrics, which accused Drake and his associates of being "pedophiles", were "protected opinion" and cannot be considered libelous.

Drake filed the lawsuit in January, claiming UMG, the music company representing both artists, of defamation by allowing the song to be released and promoted, saying it spread a "false and malicious narrative".

Drake's spokesperson stated he intended to challenge the decision. Universal Music Group expressed it was pleased with the outcome and was eager to resuming its work with the rapper.

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

Not Like Us, which was initially released in spring 2024, was widely seen as the final strike in an continuing feud between the rival rappers.

It has emerged as the most successful track of Lamar's musical journey, having won multiple Grammy awards and being one of the most-discussed moments of his Super Bowl half-time show in early 2025.

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

"Both rappers’ series of diss tracks was a 'war of words' that was the subject of extensive press coverage and online discourse," the court wrote.

"While the accusation that Drake is a child predator is certainly a grave allegation, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with provocative remarks and insulting claims hurled by both participants, would not lead the reasonable listener to believe that 'the track' imparts truthful statements about the claimant."

She also noted that, in an earlier song, the artist had "dared his rival to make the paedophilia accusations" that featured in the diss record.

On the track Taylor Made Freestyle, Drake used the AI-generated voice of Tupac Shakur 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 lyrics as 'Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young' must be evaluated," wrote Judge Vargas.

"The similarity in the wording suggests strongly that this line is a direct callback 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 name his rival in the legal filing.

His lawyers alleged UMG of launching "an effort to create a popular song" out of a release that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a convicted predator, and to imply that the public should turn to extra-legal action in retaliation".

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

She highlighted that Drake himself had used comparable rhetoric, referencing a line in which the star "strongly" implied that "his opponent is a spouse beater", and another where he "raps that he 'heard' that one of Lamar's children may not be his biological offspring."

Regarding Lamar's song, the court said: "Even apparent statements of fact may take on the nature of statements of opinion... when made in public debate, intense arguments, or other circumstances in which an listener may expect the use of slurs, passionate language or hyperbole."

Responding to the rejection, a label spokesperson said: "From the beginning, this lawsuit was an insult to all artists and their artistic freedom and should not have been filed."

"We are satisfied with the judge’s ruling and are eager to resuming our work effectively marketing Drake's music and supporting his career," the spokesperson added.

A spokesperson for Drake said the artist intended to appeal the ruling, "and we await the Court of Appeals reviewing it".

Lamar has yet to comment on the legal matter.