In a dramatic twist in the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, the Canadian rapper has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify. The suit alleges unethical practices were employed to artificially elevate the success of Lamar’s diss track, Not Like Us.
The Allegations
Drake, through his company Frozen Moments LLC, claims that UMG and Spotify orchestrated a campaign using bot streams and payola to inflate the track’s popularity. He also alleges that UMG fired staff believed to be loyal to him as part of an effort to promote Lamar’s song, which has garnered over 914 million streams on Spotify.
Drake asserts that the manipulation unfairly tipped the scales in favor of Not Like Us, which became a pivotal moment in his highly publicized rap beef with Lamar. According to reports, a whistleblower within UMG revealed details of the alleged scheme to him.
Label’s Reaction and Counterclaims
UMG has categorically denied the accusations, labeling them as baseless. In a statement, the label said:
“The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.”
Reports also suggest that when Drake initially informed UMG of his intentions to sue, the label advised him to direct the lawsuit at Kendrick Lamar instead. UMG allegedly warned Drake that if he proceeded, they would counter-sue Lamar for damages, a move that has fueled speculation about internal tensions at the label.
Industry Reactions and Fan Speculation
The lawsuit has divided opinions within the music industry and among fans. Some view Drake’s actions as a desperate attempt to regain control in a beef that many believe Kendrick Lamar is winning. Others argue that Drake is using the legal dispute as leverage for upcoming contract negotiations with UMG, with whom his last deal was reportedly worth $500 million.
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Meanwhile, the controversy has reignited debates about streaming manipulation in the music industry. If the court rules in Drake’s favor, it could set a landmark precedent in the fight against fraudulent streaming practices, an issue that has plagued the industry in recent years.
The Bigger Picture
Drake’s lawsuit isn’t the first legal entanglement stemming from this feud. Earlier this year, Tupac Shakur’s estate issued a cease-and-desist notice to Drake over his alleged use of artificial intelligence to generate a posthumous verse for his diss track Taylor Made Freestyle. Rumors suggest Kendrick Lamar played a role in motivating the estate to take legal action, further escalating the rivalry.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are on what could be a historic case. Whether Drake’s claims hold weight or UMG’s defense prevails, the outcome could redefine how labels and platforms navigate the ethics of promoting music in the digital age.
For now, the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar continues to capture the attention of fans and industry insiders alike, as the stakes grow ever higher.
