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A judge has rejected the rapper Drake’s defamation lawsuit targeting Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar's track the diss record.

Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the rapper’s song lyrics, which claimed the artist and his associates of being "certified paedophiles", were "protected opinion" and could not be considered libelous.

Drake submitted the legal action in January, claiming UMG, the record label behind the two rappers, of defamation by allowing the track to be published and promoted, saying it spread a "untrue and harmful story".

Drake's representative stated he intended to appeal the decision. Universal Music Group said it was pleased with the result and was eager to continuing its collaboration with the musician.

Context of the Rap Battle

The diss song, which was initially released in spring 2024, was broadly viewed as the decisive blow in an ongoing battle between the rival rappers.

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

In a 38-page order, the judge called the row between the rappers "the most infamous rap battle in the history of rap music".

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

"Although the claim that Drake is a pedophile is undoubtedly a serious one, the broader context of a intense musical rivalry, with incendiary language and insulting claims exchanged by each artist, would not lead the average audience to believe that 'the track' conveys truthful statements about plaintiff."

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 track his own release, the rapper used the AI-generated voice of the late rapper to give Lamar advice on how to win the rap battle.

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

"It is in this context in which such lyrics as 'Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young' must be evaluated," stated the court.

"The similarity 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 real name is Aubrey Graham, did not name his rival in the legal filing.

His lawyers accused the label of launching "an effort to create a viral hit" out of a track that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a criminal paedophile, and to imply that the public should turn to extra-legal action in retaliation".

Ruling against the plaintiff, the judge said fans would not expect "truthful accounts" from a musical attack "filled with vulgar language, insults, violent implications, and exaggerated statements."

She pointed out that Drake himself had engaged in similar language, quoting a line in which the artist "heavily" implied that "his opponent is a spouse beater", and another where Drake "claims that he 'heard' that one of Lamar's children may not be biologically his."

Regarding the track in question, the court said: "Even apparent statements of fact may assume the character of subjective views... when made in open discourse, heated labour dispute, or similar situations in which an audience may anticipate the use of slurs, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole."

Responding to the rejection, a UMG spokesperson said: "From the beginning, this lawsuit was an affront to every creative and their artistic freedom and never should have seen the light of day."

"We are satisfied with the judge’s ruling and are eager to continuing our partnership successfully marketing the artist’s work and supporting his career," the spokesperson continued.

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

Lamar has yet to issue a statement on the case.