Entertainment
Drake sues UMG, Spotify for ‘artificially boosting Kendrick Lamar’s diss song
In a surprising development within the music industry, Canadian rapper Drake has initiated legal proceedings against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify. The allegations center around claims that the two entities collaborated to artificially inflate the streaming numbers of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.”
On Monday, attorneys representing Frozen Moments LLC, Drake’s entertainment company, filed a petition with the New York Supreme Court. The legal team accuses UMG and Spotify of orchestrating an illegal scheme that employed bots, payola, and other questionable tactics to promote Lamar’s song while simultaneously obstructing the success of Drake’s own music. The stark assertion from Drake’s attorneys contends that UMG engaged in manipulative practices, deviating from standard business norms. They allege that the track, which achieved an astonishing 96 million streams within a mere week, was strategically licensed to Spotify at a 30% discount in exchange for enhanced promotional support.
In addition to the New York lawsuit, Drake has lodged a separate defamation suit against UMG in Texas. This complaint highlights that UMG allegedly disseminated the track, despite being aware of its defamatory content, which falsely accused Drake of serious allegations.
In response to these serious accusations, a spokesperson for UMG categorically denied any wrongdoing, calling the claims “offensive and untrue.” They emphasized that UMG adheres to high ethical standards in its marketing and promotional efforts and asserted that the music charts are determined by fan choice, not by manipulative practices.
The implications of this legal dispute are significant, not only for the involved parties but also for the broader music industry. As both Drake and Lamar have longstanding affiliations with UMG, this controversy raises questions about the integrity of streaming practices and the competitive dynamics within the industry. The outcome of these legal proceedings could have far-reaching consequences for how music is marketed, promoted, and consumed in the digital age.
Nigerian singer Naira Marley’s family life has become a topic of public interest after Instagram model and TikToker Sandra Benede publicly acknowledged being the mother of his twin daughters, Aishat and Simiat Fashola.
The admission occurred during a recent livestream with streamer Peller, who initiated the conversation regarding the children. While Ms. Benede confirmed her parentage, she clarified that she and Mr. Marley are not married.
Speculation regarding a potential relationship between the two figures arose in May 2022 following a birthday greeting from Ms. Benede to Mr. Marley. The recent confirmation now sheds further light on their connection and the children’s parentage.
Nollywood actress Mary Njoku has recently ignited a debate regarding the necessity of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination for university admissions in Nigeria. In a statement posted on her Instagram story, Njoku questioned the need for JAMB and post-UTME, arguing that the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) should be sufficient proof of a candidate’s completion of secondary education.
Her statement comes amidst recent controversy surrounding JAMB, particularly following widespread reports of mass failures in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME). While JAMB has admitted to errors and announced retakes for affected candidates, Njoku’s questioning highlights a deeper concern regarding the redundancy and potential inefficiencies within the current university admission process. The actress’s comments add fuel to an existing debate about the effectiveness and fairness of the JAMB examination in evaluating a student’s readiness for tertiary education.
South African sensation Tyla is poised to make history as the first African personality to host the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Organizers announced the Grammy-winning artist as the host of the 2025 edition, scheduled to air live on June 21st from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
Beyond hosting duties, Tyla has also secured two nominations: Favourite Global Music Star and Favourite Music Collaboration for “Show Me Love” with WizTheMc, and “bees & honey.”
The nominations list is topped by Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, and Lady Gaga, each receiving four nods. Selena Gomez, Dwayne Johnson, Jelly Roll, and Jack Black follow closely behind with three nominations apiece.
Expressing her excitement on X, Tyla simply stated, “I’m really about to host the kids choice awards.” This landmark achievement further solidifies Tyla’s rising star on the global stage.
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