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.