A FEDERAL JUDGE has tossed out a defamation lawsuit brought by Canadian rapper Drake against his label Universal Music Group, labelling the alleged defamatory words as opinion.

Judge Jeannette A Vargas said the case arose “from perhaps the most infamous rap battle in the genre’s history”.

Drake sued Universal Music Group (UMG) in January, alleging that the company published and promoted rival Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us.

Drake argued the popular song included false paedophilia allegations against Drake and suggested listeners should resort to vigilante justice.

The judge said a reasonable listener could not have concluded that Not Like Us was conveying objective facts about Drake.

UMG is the parent record label for both Lamar and Drake, who were involved in a high-profile rap battle which divided fans in 2024.

‘Heated rap battle’

Vargas said: “Although the accusation that the plaintiff is a paedophile is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that Not Like Us imparts verifiable facts about plaintiff”.

Lamar was not named in the lawsuit.

UMG had denied the allegations.

“From the outset, this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day,” UMG said in a statement.

“We’re pleased with the court’s dismissal and look forward to continuing our work successfully promoting Drake’s music and investing in his career.”

The lawsuit alleged the track led to violence at Drake’s home in Toronto, tarnished his reputation and decreased the value of his brand.

With additional reporting from PA