🔗 Share this article

A judge has dismissed Drake's defamation lawsuit targeting the music corporation concerning Kendrick Lamar's song Not Like Us.

Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the rapper’s lyrics, which accused Drake and his associates of being "certified paedophiles", were "nonactionable opinion" and could not be considered libelous.

Drake submitted the lawsuit in early this year, accusing Universal Music Group, the record label representing both artists, of defamatory conduct by permitting the song to be released and promoted, stating it spread a "false and malicious narrative".

Drake's spokesperson said he planned to appeal the decision. UMG expressed it was pleased with the result and was looking forward to continuing its collaboration with the rapper.

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

Not Like Us, which was first dropped in May 2024, was widely seen as the decisive blow in an continuing feud between the competing artists.

It has emerged as the biggest hit of the rapper’s career, having received multiple Grammy awards and being one of the most-discussed highlights of his Super Bowl half-time show in early 2025.

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

"The artists' seven-track rap battle was a 'war of words' that was the subject of substantial media scrutiny and online discourse," the court noted.

"Although the accusation that Drake is a pedophile is undoubtedly a grave allegation, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with provocative remarks and insulting claims hurled by each artist, would not lead the reasonable listener to believe that 'Not Like Us' conveys truthful statements about plaintiff."

She additionally observed that, in an previous track, the artist had "dared his rival to make the paedophilia accusations" that appeared in the diss record.

On the track Taylor Made Freestyle, the rapper used the synthetic vocals of the late rapper to give Lamar advice on how to prevail in the feud.

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

"It is in this context in which such lyrics as 'Hey Drake, I’ve heard you prefer them young' must be assessed," stated Judge Vargas.

"The similarity in the wording strongly indicates that this lyric is a clear reference to Drake's lyrics in the prior song."

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

The musician, whose legal name is Aubrey Graham, did not sue Lamar in the lawsuit.

His lawyers alleged UMG of launching "a campaign to create a viral hit" out of a track that made the "untrue claim that the artist is a criminal paedophile, and to imply that the public should turn to extra-legal action in retaliation".

Ruling against the plaintiff, the judge said listeners would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a diss track "filled with vulgar language, trash-talking, violent implications, and exaggerated statements."

She highlighted that the rapper himself had engaged in similar language, quoting a lyric in which the artist "strongly" suggested that "his opponent is a spouse beater", and another where he "claims that he 'heard' that one of Lamar's sons may not be biologically his."

Concerning the track in question, Judge Vargas said: "Although seemingly factual claims may assume the character of statements of opinion... when made in public debate, intense arguments, or other circumstances in which an audience may expect the use of slurs, passionate language or hyperbole."

Responding to the dismissal, a UMG spokesperson said: "From the beginning, this lawsuit was an insult to all artists and their creative expression and should not have seen the light of day."

"We're pleased with the court's dismissal and look forward to resuming our partnership effectively promoting the artist’s work and supporting his artistic path," the spokesperson continued.

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

Lamar has not yet comment on the case.