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A judge has rejected the rapper Drake’s legal claim against the music corporation over Kendrick Lamar’s track the diss record.

Judge the court’s judge ruled that Lamar's lyrics, which accused the artist and his crew of being "pedophiles", were "nonactionable opinion" and could not be considered defamatory.

The Canadian rapper submitted the lawsuit in January, claiming UMG, the music company behind both artists, of defamation by permitting the track to be published and promoted, stating it spread a "untrue and harmful story".

Drake's representative stated he intended to challenge the ruling. UMG said it was pleased with the outcome and was eager to resuming its work with the musician.

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

The diss song, which was initially released in May 2024, was widely seen as the decisive blow in an continuing feud between the rival rappers.

It has become the biggest hit of Lamar's career, having received multiple Grammy awards 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 row between the rappers "the most infamous rap battle in the genre's history".

"Both rappers’ series of diss tracks was a 'war of words' that was the subject of extensive press coverage and online discourse," the court wrote.

"Although the accusation that Drake is a child predator is undoubtedly a grave allegation, the wider backdrop of a heated rap battle, with provocative remarks and offensive accusations hurled by each artist, would not incline the average audience to believe that 'the track' conveys truthful statements about plaintiff."

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

On the track Taylor Made Freestyle, Drake 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 proposed.

"Against this backdrop in which such lines as 'Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em 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'

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

His lawyers alleged UMG of initiating "a campaign to generate a viral hit" out of a track that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a criminal paedophile, and to suggest that the public should resort to vigilante justice in retaliation".

Deciding against Drake, Judge Vargas said fans would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a diss track "filled with profanity, insults, threats of violence, and exaggerated statements."

She highlighted that the rapper himself had engaged in comparable rhetoric, quoting a lyric in which the artist "heavily" suggested that "his opponent is a domestic abuser", and another where he "claims that he 'heard' that one of his rival’s sons may not be biologically his."

Regarding the track in question, Judge Vargas said: "Even seemingly factual claims may take on the nature of subjective views... when made in open discourse, intense arguments, or similar situations in which an audience may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or exaggeration."

Responding to the dismissal, a label representative said: "From the beginning, this lawsuit was an affront to every creative and their artistic freedom and should not have been filed."

"We are satisfied with the court's dismissal and are eager to continuing our partnership effectively marketing the artist’s work and supporting his artistic path," the spokesperson continued.

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

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