Drake has escalated his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar by filing a petition in New York Supreme Court, alleging that Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify engaged in deceptive practices to promote Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.” In documents submitted on Monday, Drake accuses UMG of a coordinated effort to boost the track’s visibility and success on streaming platforms, claiming this manipulation led to the song breaking several Spotify records and achieving the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 multiple times.
According to the petition, UMG’s actions were driven by a profit motivation from executives at Interscope Records. Drake’s team suggests that the label may have acted unlawfully, involving bribery and deceptive business practices to inflate the track’s popularity, which he argues damages the interests of other artists, including himself. He has requested the court compel UMG and Spotify to release evidence to back his claims as part of a pre-action discovery process.
In a subsequent filing in Texas, Drake further elaborated on his allegations, claiming UMG made “funnelled payments” to iHeart Radio in a scheme to ensure that Lamar’s song received extensive airplay. Additionally, Drake contends that UMG was aware that Lamar’s track contained false accusations against him and released it regardless.
Drake’s petition describes a broader strategy by UMG to sensationalize the feud between the two rappers, portraying it as a calculated effort to drive public interest and revenue. UMG has firmly denied all allegations, stating that their marketing practices are ethical and that any suggestion of undermining artists is unfounded.
The feud between Drake and Lamar dates back to 2013 and has intensified over the years, with a series of diss tracks exchanged between the two. The most recent track by Lamar, “Not Like Us,” released earlier this month, includes pointed lyrics that take jabs at Drake.
Currently, both artists are also in contention for Billboard Music Awards in significant categories and received nominations for the Grammys, highlighting the competitive atmosphere surrounding their careers.
While the situation presents a challenging conflict for both artists involved, it is a reminder of the complexities of the music industry, where rivalry and collaboration can coexist. Drake’s actions might also catalyze broader conversations about artist representation and fairness in music promotions, sparking important discussions about ethics in the industry.
In conclusion, although the legal battle between Drake and UMG adds another layer of tension to their rivalry, it underscores the dynamic nature of the rap industry and might inspire change and accountability going forward.