Court Throws Out Drake's Legal Case Regarding Kendrick Lamar's Diss Track

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

Judge Jeannette Vargas determined that the rapper’s lyrics, which claimed the artist and his associates of being "pedophiles", were "protected opinion" and cannot be deemed defamatory.

Drake submitted the legal action in January, accusing UMG, the record label representing both artists, of defamation by permitting the track to be released and promoted, saying it disseminated a "false and malicious narrative".

Drake's spokesperson stated he planned to appeal the ruling. Universal Music Group expressed it was satisfied with the result and was eager to continuing its collaboration with the musician.

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

The diss song, which was first dropped in spring 2024, was widely seen as the final strike in an ongoing battle between the competing artists.

It has emerged as the most successful track of the rapper’s musical journey, having received multiple Grammy awards and being one of the most-discussed moments of his Super Bowl half-time show in early 2025.

In a 38-page order, Judge Vargas called the dispute between the artists "the most infamous rap battle in the genre's history".

"The artists' series of diss tracks was a 'war of words' that was the focus of substantial media scrutiny and online discourse," the judge noted.

"Although the accusation that plaintiff is a pedophile is undoubtedly a serious one, the wider backdrop of a heated rap battle, with provocative remarks and insulting claims hurled by both participants, would not lead the reasonable listener to believe that 'the track' imparts verifiable facts about the claimant."

She additionally observed that, in an previous track, the artist had "challenged Lamar to make the pedophile claims" 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 win the rap battle.

"Talk about him likin' young girls, that's a gift from me," the song proposed.

"It is in this context in which such lyrics 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 lyric is a direct callback to Drake's lyrics in the earlier release."

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

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

His lawyers alleged UMG of initiating "a campaign 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 resort to extra-legal action in retaliation".

Ruling against the plaintiff, the judge said listeners would not expect "truthful accounts" from a musical attack "replete with vulgar language, trash-talking, violent implications, and exaggerated statements."

She pointed out that Drake himself had used similar language, referencing a line in which the artist "heavily" suggested that "his opponent is a spouse beater", and a separate instance where Drake "claims that he 'was told' that one of Lamar's children may not be biologically his."

Regarding Lamar's song, the court said: "Even seemingly factual claims may assume the character of statements of opinion... when made in open discourse, heated labour dispute, or other circumstances in which an listener may anticipate the use of slurs, passionate language or exaggeration."

Responding to the rejection, a UMG spokesperson said: "From the outset, this lawsuit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day."

"We're pleased with the judge’s ruling and look forward to continuing our partnership successfully marketing Drake's music and supporting his artistic path," the spokesperson continued.

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

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