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A judge has dismissed the rapper Drake’s legal claim targeting Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar’s track Not Like Us.

Presiding Judge the court’s judge determined that Lamar's lyrics, which claimed Drake and his crew of being "pedophiles", were "protected opinion" and could not be deemed libelous.

The Canadian rapper submitted the lawsuit in early this year, accusing UMG, the music company behind both artists, of defamation by allowing the song to be published and marketed, saying it disseminated a "untrue and harmful story".

The artist’s representative stated he intended to appeal the ruling. UMG expressed it was pleased with the result and was looking forward to resuming its collaboration with the rapper.

Background of the Rap Battle

Not Like Us, which was first dropped 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 career, having won five Grammys and being one of the most-talked about highlights of his Super Bowl performance in early 2025.

In a detailed ruling, Judge Vargas called the row between the rappers "the most infamous rap battle in the history of rap music".

"Both rappers’ seven-track rap battle was a 'war of words' that was the subject of extensive press coverage and online discourse," the court wrote.

"Although the accusation that Drake is a pedophile is undoubtedly a grave allegation, the wider backdrop of a heated rap battle, with provocative remarks and insulting claims hurled by each artist, would not incline the average audience to believe that 'the track' conveys truthful statements about plaintiff."

She additionally observed that, in an earlier song, Drake had "dared his rival to make the paedophilia accusations" that featured in Not Like Us.

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

"Talk about him likin' young girls, that's a gift from me," the track proposed.

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

"The similarity 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 real name is Aubrey Drake Graham, did not name his rival in the legal filing.

His legal team alleged UMG of initiating "an effort to create a popular song" out of a release that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a criminal paedophile, and to imply that the public should resort to extra-legal action in response".

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

She pointed out that the rapper himself had used similar language, referencing a lyric in which the star "strongly" suggested that "Lamar is a spouse beater", and another where Drake "claims that he 'was told' that one of Lamar's children may not be his biological offspring."

Concerning the track in question, Judge Vargas said: "Even seemingly factual claims may assume the character of subjective views... when made in public debate, 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 label spokesperson said: "From the outset, this case was an insult to every creative and their artistic freedom and should not have been filed."

"We're pleased with the court's dismissal and are eager to resuming our partnership effectively marketing Drake's music and investing in his career," the spokesperson continued.

A spokesperson for the musician said the artist planned to contest the ruling, "and we await the appellate court reviewing it".

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