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A court official has dismissed the rapper Drake’s legal claim against the music corporation over Kendrick Lamar's song Not Like Us.

Presiding Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the rapper’s lyrics, which accused the artist and his associates of being "pedophiles", were "protected opinion" and could not be deemed libelous.

Drake submitted the legal action in early this year, claiming UMG, the record label behind both artists, of defamation by allowing the song to be released and promoted, saying it spread a "untrue and harmful story".

Drake's spokesperson stated he intended to appeal the ruling. UMG expressed it was pleased with the outcome and was eager to continuing its collaboration with the musician.

Background of the Rap Battle

The diss song, which was initially released in spring 2024, was widely seen as the decisive blow in an ongoing battle between the competing artists.

It has become the biggest hit of Lamar's musical journey, having received five Grammys and being one of the most-talked about moments of his Super Bowl half-time show in February.

In a 38-page order, the judge called the dispute between the artists "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.

"Although the claim that Drake is a child predator is certainly a grave allegation, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with provocative remarks and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not lead the average audience to believe that 'the track' conveys verifiable facts about plaintiff."

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

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.

"Suggest he has a preference for minors, consider that a tip," the song proposed.

"It is in this context in which such lines as 'Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young' must be assessed," stated Judge Vargas.

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

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Drake Graham, did not name Lamar in the lawsuit.

His legal team accused UMG of initiating "an effort to generate a viral hit" out of a release that made the "untrue claim that Drake is a convicted predator, and to suggest that the audience should turn to extra-legal action in retaliation".

Ruling against Drake, Judge Vargas said fans would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a diss track "filled with vulgar language, trash-talking, threats of violence, and figurative and hyperbolic language."

She pointed out that Drake himself had used comparable rhetoric, quoting a line in which the artist "strongly" suggested that "Lamar is a domestic abuser", and a separate instance where he "claims that he 'heard' that one of his rival’s sons may not be his biological offspring."

Regarding the track in question, the court said: "Even seemingly factual claims may take on the nature of statements of opinion... when made in open discourse, heated labour dispute, or other circumstances in which an audience may expect the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or exaggeration."

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

"We are satisfied with the court's dismissal and look forward to resuming our work effectively promoting Drake's music and investing in his career," the spokesperson added.

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

Lamar has not yet comment on the case.