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A court official has rejected the rapper Drake’s legal claim against the music corporation over Kendrick Lamar’s song the diss record.

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

Drake filed the legal action in early this year, claiming UMG, the music company behind both artists, of defamation by permitting the track to be published and promoted, stating it disseminated a "false and malicious narrative".

Drake's spokesperson said he planned to challenge the decision. UMG expressed it was pleased with the outcome and was looking forward to continuing its collaboration with the rapper.

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

The diss song, which was first dropped in May 2024, was widely seen as the final strike in an continuing feud between the rival rappers.

It has emerged as the biggest hit of the rapper’s career, having received multiple Grammy awards and being one of the most-discussed highlights of his Super Bowl half-time show in early 2025.

In a 38-page order, Judge Vargas called the dispute between the rappers "the most notorious hip-hop feud in the genre's history".

"Both rappers’ series of diss tracks was a 'verbal conflict' that was the focus of substantial media scrutiny and online discourse," the judge noted.

"While the accusation that Drake is a child predator is undoubtedly a grave allegation, the broader context of a intense musical rivalry, with provocative remarks and insulting claims exchanged by each artist, would not lead the reasonable listener to believe that 'the track' imparts truthful statements about plaintiff."

She also noted that, in an previous track, Drake had "challenged Lamar to make the paedophilia accusations" that appeared in Not Like Us.

On the song his own release, the rapper used the AI-generated voice 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 proposed.

"It is in this context in which such lines 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 line is a clear reference to Drake's lyrics in the prior song."

'An Affront to Artists'

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

His legal team accused UMG of initiating "an effort to generate a popular song" out of a track that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a criminal paedophile, and to imply that the audience should turn to vigilante justice in retaliation".

Ruling against the plaintiff, the judge said fans would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a musical attack "filled with vulgar language, trash-talking, threats of violence, and exaggerated statements."

She pointed out that the rapper himself had engaged in similar language, quoting a line in which the artist "heavily" implied that "his opponent is a domestic abuser", and another where Drake "raps that he 'was told' that one of Lamar's children may not be his biological offspring."

Concerning Lamar's song, Judge Vargas said: "Although seemingly factual claims may take on the nature of statements of opinion... when made in public debate, heated labour dispute, or other circumstances in which an audience may anticipate the use of slurs, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole."

Responding to the dismissal, a UMG spokesperson said: "From the beginning, this lawsuit was an insult to all artists and their artistic freedom and never should have been filed."

"We are satisfied with the judge’s ruling and look forward to continuing our partnership successfully promoting the artist’s work and supporting his career," the representative continued.

A representative for the musician said the rapper intended to appeal the decision, "and we await the appellate court examining it".

Lamar has yet to issue a statement on the legal matter.