Judge Dismisses Rapper Drake's Legal Case Regarding Kendrick Lamar's Diss Track

A judge has thrown out Drake's legal claim targeting Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar's song Not Like Us.

Presiding Judge Jeannette Vargas decided that Lamar's lyrics, which accused Drake and his crew of being "pedophiles", were "nonactionable opinion" and could not be deemed defamatory.

The Canadian rapper submitted the lawsuit in January, accusing Universal Music Group, the music company behind both artists, of defamation by allowing the song to be released and marketed, saying it disseminated a "false and malicious narrative".

Drake's spokesperson stated he intended to appeal the decision. UMG expressed it was pleased 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 widely seen as the decisive blow in an ongoing battle between the competing artists.

It has emerged as the biggest hit of Lamar's musical journey, having won multiple Grammy awards and being one of the most-discussed highlights of his Super Bowl performance in February.

In a 38-page order, Judge Vargas called the dispute between the artists "the most notorious hip-hop feud in the history of rap music".

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

"While the accusation that Drake is a child predator is undoubtedly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with provocative remarks and insulting claims exchanged by each artist, would not lead the average audience to believe that 'Not Like Us' conveys truthful statements about plaintiff."

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

On the song Taylor Made Freestyle, the rapper used the synthetic vocals of the late rapper to suggest strategies on how to prevail in the feud.

"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 the court.

"The parallel in the wording suggests strongly that this line is a direct callback to the artist’s own words in the earlier release."

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

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

His legal team alleged the label of launching "an effort to create a viral hit" out of a release that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a criminal paedophile, and to suggest that the public should turn to vigilante justice in retaliation".

Deciding against the plaintiff, Judge Vargas said fans would not expect "truthful accounts" from a diss track "filled with vulgar language, insults, threats of violence, and figurative and hyperbolic language."

She pointed out that the rapper himself had used similar language, quoting a line in which the artist "strongly" implied that "Lamar is a domestic abuser", and a separate instance where Drake "raps that he 'heard' that one of Lamar's sons may not be biologically his."

Concerning Lamar's song, the court said: "Although seemingly factual claims may take on the nature of statements of opinion... when made in public debate, intense arguments, or similar situations in which an listener may anticipate the use of slurs, fiery rhetoric or exaggeration."

Reacting to the dismissal, a UMG spokesperson said: "From the outset, this case was an insult to all artists and their artistic freedom and should not have been filed."

"We're pleased with the court's dismissal and are eager to continuing our partnership successfully marketing the artist’s work and supporting his artistic path," the representative added.

A representative for the musician said the artist intended to contest the ruling, "and we look forward to the appellate court examining it".

Kendrick Lamar has yet to issue a statement on the case.