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A judge has rejected the rapper Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar’s song Not Like Us.

Judge the court’s judge ruled that Lamar's song lyrics, which claimed Drake and his crew of being "certified paedophiles", were "protected opinion" and could not be considered defamatory.

The Canadian rapper submitted the legal action in January, claiming UMG, the record label representing both artists, of defamation by permitting the song to be released and promoted, stating it spread a "untrue and harmful story".

Drake's representative stated he intended to appeal the ruling. Universal Music Group said it was pleased with the result and was looking forward to resuming its work with the rapper.

Background 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 competing artists.

It has emerged as the biggest hit of Lamar's musical journey, having won five Grammys and being one of the most-talked about highlights of his Super Bowl half-time show in early 2025.

In a 38-page order, Judge Vargas called the row between the artists "the most infamous rap battle in the history of rap music".

"Both rappers’ series of diss tracks was a 'verbal conflict' that was the subject of substantial media scrutiny and online discourse," the judge wrote.

"Although the claim that plaintiff is a child predator is certainly a serious one, the wider backdrop of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and insulting claims hurled by each artist, would not incline the average audience to believe that 'the track' imparts verifiable facts about the claimant."

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

On the song his own release, the rapper used the AI-generated voice of Tupac Shakur to give Lamar advice on how to win the rap battle.

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

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

"The parallel in the phrasing strongly indicates that this lyric is a direct callback to Drake's lyrics in the earlier release."

'An Affront to Artists'

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

His lawyers alleged the label of launching "an effort to create a viral hit" out of a track that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a criminal paedophile, and to suggest that the public should resort to extra-legal action in response".

Ruling against Drake, the judge said listeners would not expect "truthful accounts" from a musical attack "replete with vulgar language, trash-talking, violent implications, and exaggerated statements."

She highlighted that Drake himself had engaged in comparable rhetoric, quoting a line in which the star "heavily" suggested that "Lamar is a domestic abuser", and a separate instance where he "raps that he 'heard' that one of his rival’s children may not be biologically his."

Regarding the track in question, Judge Vargas said: "Although seemingly factual claims may take on the nature of subjective views... when made in open discourse, heated labour dispute, or similar situations in which an listener may expect the use of slurs, passionate language or exaggeration."

Reacting to the rejection, a UMG representative said: "From the outset, this lawsuit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and should not have been filed."

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

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

Kendrick Lamar has yet to issue a statement on the case.