Rapper Drake’s company, Frozen Moments, has initiated a legal petition in a New York court, alleging that streaming giant Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG) have colluded to artificially inflate the streams of Kendrick Lamar’s popular diss track, “Not Like Us.” This track, which emerged amidst the ongoing dispute between Drake and Lamar, has seen remarkable success, dominating the Billboard rap charts throughout the summer.
In its filing, Frozen Moments, fully owned by Drake, claims that UMG engaged in manipulative tactics to promote “Not Like Us” through the use of bots and pay-for-play schemes. The petition contends that the song was licensed to Spotify at a reduced rate of 30% in exchange for enhanced visibility and recommendations, resulting in over 900 million streams on the platform.
The accusations extend to UMG allegedly employing automated programs to escalate streaming numbers and pay radio promoters to increase airplay. Furthermore, it is claimed that UMG paid tech company Apple to misdirect users of Siri towards Lamar’s track.
A representative for UMG has dismissed these allegations as “offensive and untrue,” asserting that the company adheres to high ethical standards in their marketing and promotional tactics.
Notably, UMG manages both Kendrick Lamar’s label, Interscope, and Drake’s Republic Records. Tensions between the two artists are underscored by Drake’s past lyrical references to UMG’s CEO, Lucian Grainge, further indicating his significant role within the label’s landscape, especially as Spotify’s second most-streamed artist, following Taylor Swift.
The petition is characterized as a pre-action motion rather than an actual lawsuit, aimed at gathering more insights from UMG and Spotify in pursuit of a civil claim under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). This development occurs shortly after Lamar released his new album, “GNX,” in which he addresses the feud and its implications.
This legal challenge highlights the competitive nature of the music industry, especially among top artists like Drake and Lamar. As they navigate these conflicts, fans are left eager to see how this strategic battle unfolds, potentially paving the way for significant changes in the methodologies of music marketing and promotion.
Overall, while tensions between the artists remain high, this situation may offer opportunities for new discussions about ethical practices in the streaming industry, leading to a more transparent system that benefits both artists and listeners alike.