Court Throws Out Rapper Drake's Legal Case Regarding Kendrick Lamar’s Hit Diss Track

A judge has thrown out Drake's defamation lawsuit targeting Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar's track the diss record.

Presiding Judge Jeannette Vargas determined that the rapper’s song lyrics, which accused Drake and his crew of being "certified paedophiles", were "nonactionable opinion" and could not be considered defamatory.

The Canadian rapper filed the lawsuit in January, accusing UMG, the record label behind both artists, of defamation by allowing the song to be released and promoted, saying it disseminated a "untrue and harmful story".

Drake's spokesperson said he intended to challenge the decision. UMG expressed it was satisfied with the outcome and was eager to resuming its collaboration with the musician.

Background of the Hip-Hop Feud

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

It has become the most successful track of Lamar's career, having won five Grammys and being one of the most-discussed moments of his Super Bowl performance in early 2025.

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

"The artists' series of diss tracks was a 'war of words' that was the subject of extensive press coverage and digital debate," the court noted.

"Although the accusation that plaintiff is a pedophile is undoubtedly a grave allegation, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations exchanged by both participants, would not lead the average audience to believe that 'Not Like Us' conveys truthful statements about the claimant."

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, the rapper used the AI-generated voice of Tupac Shakur to give Lamar advice on how to prevail in the feud.

"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," stated the court.

"The similarity in the wording suggests strongly that this line 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 Graham, did not name Lamar in the lawsuit.

His legal team alleged UMG of launching "a campaign to create a popular song" out of a release that made the "false factual allegation that Drake is a criminal paedophile, and to suggest that the audience should resort to extra-legal action in retaliation".

Deciding against Drake, Judge Vargas said listeners would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a musical attack "filled with profanity, insults, threats of violence, and figurative and hyperbolic language."

She highlighted that the rapper himself had used similar language, quoting a lyric in which the artist "strongly" implied that "his opponent is a domestic abuser", and another where Drake "raps that he 'was told' that one of Lamar's children may not be biologically his."

Concerning the track in question, Judge Vargas said: "Although apparent statements of fact may assume the character of statements of opinion... when made in public debate, intense arguments, or similar situations in which an audience may expect the use of slurs, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole."

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

"We are satisfied with the court's dismissal and are eager to resuming our partnership effectively promoting Drake's music and supporting his career," the spokesperson continued.

A representative for the musician said the artist intended to appeal the decision, "and we await the Court of Appeals reviewing it".

Lamar has yet to issue a statement on the legal matter.