🔗 Share this article

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

Judge the court’s judge determined that the rapper’s song lyrics, which accused the artist and his crew of being "pedophiles", were "nonactionable opinion" and could not be deemed libelous.

Drake filed the lawsuit in early this year, accusing Universal Music Group, the music company representing the two rappers, of defamatory conduct by allowing the song to be published and marketed, stating it spread a "untrue and harmful story".

The artist’s spokesperson said he intended to appeal the decision. UMG expressed it was satisfied with the outcome and was eager to resuming its work with the rapper.

Background of the Rap Battle

Not Like Us, which was initially released in spring 2024, was broadly viewed as the decisive blow in an continuing feud between the rival rappers.

It has emerged as the most successful track of the rapper’s musical journey, 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 artists "the most notorious hip-hop feud in the genre's history".

"The artists' series of diss tracks was a 'verbal conflict' that was the subject of substantial media scrutiny and digital debate," the judge wrote.

"Although the accusation that Drake is a child predator is undoubtedly a grave allegation, the broader context of a intense musical rivalry, with incendiary language and offensive accusations exchanged by both participants, would not lead the average audience to believe that 'the track' conveys truthful statements about plaintiff."

She additionally observed that, in an previous track, the artist had "challenged his rival to make the pedophile claims" that appeared in Not Like Us.

On the track his own release, Drake used the synthetic vocals of the late rapper to suggest strategies on how to win the rap battle.

"Suggest he has a preference for minors, consider that a tip," 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," wrote Judge Vargas.

"The parallel in the wording suggests strongly that this lyric is a clear reference to the artist’s own words in the earlier release."

'An Affront to Artists'

The musician, whose legal name is Aubrey Graham, did not name his rival in the lawsuit.

His lawyers accused the label of initiating "a campaign to create a viral hit" out of a release that made the "untrue claim that Drake is a criminal paedophile, and to suggest that the audience should resort to extra-legal action in retaliation".

Deciding against the plaintiff, Judge Vargas said listeners would not expect "truthful accounts" from a musical attack "filled with profanity, insults, threats of violence, and exaggerated statements."

She pointed out that Drake himself had engaged in similar language, referencing a lyric in which the artist "strongly" suggested that "his opponent is a spouse beater", and another where he "raps that he 'was told' that one of his rival’s sons may not be his biological offspring."

Concerning Lamar's song, Judge Vargas said: "Although seemingly factual claims 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 epithets, passionate language or exaggeration."

Reacting to the rejection, a UMG spokesperson said: "From the beginning, this case was an affront 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 continuing our partnership successfully promoting Drake's music and investing in his artistic path," the representative continued.

A representative for the musician said the rapper intended to contest the decision, "and we look forward to the Court of Appeals examining it".

Lamar has not yet issue a statement on the case.