Court Throws Out Drake's Lawsuit Regarding Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us

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

Presiding Judge Jeannette Vargas decided that the rapper’s song lyrics, which accused the artist and his associates of being "certified paedophiles", were "nonactionable opinion" and cannot be deemed libelous.

The Canadian rapper submitted the lawsuit in January, claiming UMG, the record label behind the two rappers, of defamatory conduct by allowing the track to be published and marketed, saying it spread a "untrue and harmful story".

The artist’s representative stated he intended to challenge the decision. UMG said it was satisfied with the outcome and was looking forward to continuing its collaboration with the musician.

Context of the Rap Battle

Not Like Us, which was initially released in May 2024, was broadly viewed as the final strike in an continuing feud between the competing artists.

It has emerged as the most successful track of Lamar's musical journey, having received five Grammys and being one of the most-discussed highlights of his Super Bowl performance in early 2025.

In a 38-page order, the judge called the row between the rappers "the most infamous rap battle in the genre's history".

"Both rappers’ seven-track rap battle was a 'verbal conflict' that was the focus of substantial media scrutiny and digital debate," the court noted.

"While the claim that Drake is a child predator is undoubtedly a grave allegation, the broader context of a intense musical rivalry, with incendiary language and insulting claims hurled by both participants, would not lead the reasonable listener to believe that 'Not Like Us' imparts verifiable facts about the claimant."

She additionally observed that, in an previous track, Drake had "challenged his rival to make the paedophilia accusations" that featured in the diss record.

On the song 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 song proposed.

"Against this backdrop 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 line is a clear reference to the artist’s own words in the prior song."

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

Drake, whose legal name is Aubrey Drake Graham, did not name Lamar in the legal filing.

His lawyers alleged UMG of launching "a campaign to create a viral hit" out of a track that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a convicted predator, and to imply that the audience should turn to extra-legal action in response".

Ruling against the plaintiff, the judge said fans would not expect "truthful accounts" from a diss track "filled with vulgar language, insults, violent implications, and exaggerated statements."

She highlighted that Drake himself had used comparable rhetoric, quoting a line in which the artist "strongly" suggested that "his opponent is a domestic abuser", and a separate instance where he "claims that he 'was told' that one of Lamar's children may not be his biological offspring."

Regarding the track in question, Judge Vargas said: "Although seemingly factual claims may assume the character of statements of opinion... when made in open discourse, intense arguments, or similar situations in which an audience may anticipate the use of slurs, passionate language or hyperbole."

Reacting to the rejection, a label spokesperson said: "From the outset, this lawsuit was an affront to every creative and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day."

"We're pleased with the judge’s ruling and are eager to resuming our partnership successfully promoting Drake's music and supporting his artistic path," the spokesperson added.

A spokesperson for Drake said the artist intended to appeal the decision, "and we look forward to the appellate court examining it".

Lamar has not yet issue a statement on the case.