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A court official has rejected the rapper Drake’s defamation lawsuit targeting Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar’s song the diss record.

Presiding Judge Jeannette Vargas determined that the rapper’s lyrics, which accused Drake and his associates of being "pedophiles", were "protected opinion" and cannot be deemed libelous.

The Canadian rapper submitted the legal action in January, accusing Universal Music Group, the music company representing both artists, of defamation by allowing the song to be released and promoted, stating it disseminated a "false and malicious narrative".

Drake's representative stated he planned to challenge the decision. Universal Music Group expressed it was pleased with the outcome and was looking forward to continuing 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 ongoing battle between the rival rappers.

It has emerged as the biggest hit of Lamar's musical journey, having received five Grammys and being one of the most-discussed moments of his Super Bowl performance in February.

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

"The artists' seven-track rap battle was a 'war of words' that was the subject of substantial media scrutiny and digital debate," the judge wrote.

"Although the claim that Drake is a child predator is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a intense musical rivalry, with provocative remarks and insulting claims hurled by both participants, would not lead the reasonable listener to believe that 'the track' conveys verifiable facts about plaintiff."

She additionally observed that, in an earlier song, Drake had "challenged his rival to make the pedophile claims" that appeared in the diss record.

On the track his own release, the rapper used the synthetic vocals of the late rapper to suggest strategies 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 'Hey Drake, I’ve heard you prefer them young' must be evaluated," stated Judge Vargas.

"The parallel in the phrasing strongly indicates that this lyric is a direct callback 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 sue Lamar in the lawsuit.

His legal team alleged the label of launching "a campaign to create a viral hit" out of a release that made the "untrue claim that Drake is a convicted predator, and to imply that the audience should resort to extra-legal action in retaliation".

Deciding against Drake, the judge said fans would not expect "truthful accounts" from a diss track "replete with profanity, trash-talking, threats of violence, and figurative and hyperbolic language."

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

Regarding Lamar's song, 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 listener may expect the use of epithets, passionate language or exaggeration."

Reacting to the dismissal, a label spokesperson said: "From the outset, this case was an insult to all artists and their creative expression and never should have been filed."

"We're pleased with the judge’s ruling and are eager to resuming our work successfully marketing the artist’s work and investing in his career," the spokesperson added.

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

Kendrick Lamar has not yet issue a statement on the legal matter.