Drake has initiated legal proceedings against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, accusing them of conspiring to boost interest in Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” at the expense of his own music, according to recent court filings. In a petition submitted to the New York Supreme Court on Monday, Drake’s legal team from Frozen Moments LLC claims that UMG and Spotify orchestrated a campaign to manipulate streaming platforms and radio waves to elevate Lamar’s song improperly.
The petition alleges that UMG paid undisclosed parties to employ “bots” to artificially increase the play count of “Not Like Us,” misleading fans into believing it was more popular than it actually was. Furthermore, the document claims UMG engaged influencers to promote the track on social media and entered into pay-to-play agreements with radio stations.
In response to these allegations, a UMG spokesperson stated that the notion they would undermine any of their artists is “offensive and untrue,” asserting that the company adheres to high ethical standards in its marketing practices. Spotify, however, opted not to comment.
Both artists have longstanding relationships with UMG, as Drake is associated with Republic Records and Lamar with Interscope, both of which are under UMG’s ownership. The petition filed by Drake is a preliminary step that allows his attorneys to request the preservation of essential documents while preparing for a potential lawsuit.
This development reflects an ongoing feud between the two rappers, sparked by exchanges of diss tracks. Lamar’s music has reportedly levied serious accusations against Drake, including allegations of inappropriate relationships, while Drake has countered with his own claims against Lamar.
Drake’s petition also alleges that UMG reduced licensing fees it charges Spotify in exchange for promoting Lamar’s track, and indicates that arrangements were made to misdirect users searching for Drake’s music towards “Not Like Us”. According to the petition, this alleged manipulation resulted in the track accumulating an impressive 900 million streams, setting records for both the most-streamed diss track and hip-hop singles on Spotify.
Drake’s legal team claims that UMG’s actions were in part driven by executive interests in maximizing profits, benefiting from increased visibility for Lamar’s back catalog through the success of “Not Like Us”. They state that despite attempts to address the alleged misconduct with UMG, the company has shifted the blame towards Lamar rather than accepting responsibility.
As the situation unfolds, it highlights the complexities of the music industry and the intricate relationships between artists and their record labels. While the conflict between Drake and Lamar has generated significant attention and speculation, it serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls within the industry. The hope is that this legal action will lead to a clearer understanding of marketing practices and the treatment of artists in such contentious environments.
Summary: Drake has filed a petition against Universal Music Group and Spotify, alleging they conspired to promote Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” at his expense. The petition claims UMG employed unethical practices, such as using bots and payola, to manipulate streaming numbers. UMG denies the allegations, asserting its commitment to ethical marketing. The situation underscores the competitive nature of the music industry and may prompt more transparent practices moving forward.