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A court official has rejected the rapper Drake’s defamation lawsuit targeting Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar's song the diss record.

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

Drake filed the lawsuit in early this year, claiming UMG, the music company representing both artists, of defamation by allowing the track to be released and marketed, stating it disseminated a "false and malicious narrative".

The artist’s representative said he planned to challenge the ruling. Universal Music Group expressed it was satisfied with the result and was looking forward to continuing its collaboration with the rapper.

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

The diss song, which was initially released in spring 2024, was widely seen as the final strike in an continuing feud between the rival rappers.

It has become the biggest hit of the rapper’s musical journey, having won five Grammys and being one of the most-discussed highlights of his Super Bowl performance in February.

In a detailed ruling, Judge Vargas called the dispute between the rappers "the most notorious hip-hop feud in the genre's history".

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

"Although the claim that Drake is a pedophile is undoubtedly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and insulting claims hurled by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that 'the track' imparts truthful statements about the claimant."

She also noted that, in an earlier song, the artist had "dared his rival to make the paedophilia accusations" that featured in Not Like Us.

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

"Suggest he has a preference for minors, consider that a tip," the track suggested.

"Against this backdrop in which such lines as 'Hey Drake, I’ve heard you prefer them young' must be assessed," stated Judge Vargas.

"The similarity in the phrasing suggests strongly that this line is a clear reference to Drake's lyrics in the earlier release."

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

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

His legal team alleged UMG of initiating "a campaign to generate a popular song" out of a release that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a convicted predator, and to suggest that the audience should resort to extra-legal action in retaliation".

Ruling against Drake, the judge said fans would not expect "truthful accounts" from a diss track "filled with vulgar language, insults, threats of violence, and exaggerated statements."

She highlighted that the rapper himself had engaged in similar language, quoting a lyric in which the artist "heavily" suggested that "his opponent is a spouse beater", and a separate instance where he "claims that he 'heard' 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 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."

Responding to the dismissal, a label representative said: "From the outset, this lawsuit was an insult to all artists and their artistic freedom and never should 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 supporting his career," the representative added.

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

Lamar has not yet issue a statement on the legal matter.