Drake has initiated legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, accusing the companies of unfairly boosting the streaming success of Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us.” This move comes amid a prolonged rivalry between the two prominent figures in the hip-hop industry.
In his petition filed in a New York court, Drake alleges that UMG orchestrated a campaign involving influencers and radio stations to artificially inflate the song’s popularity, including the use of bots. He points to a multi-year licensing agreement between UMG and Spotify, claiming they have a “symbiotic business relationship,” where UMG provides a discount on licensing fees for the song in exchange for Spotify’s enhanced promotion efforts.
Drake has claimed that UMG employed similar tactics across various streaming platforms, alleging an incident where Siri directed users to play “Not Like Us” instead of his own album, *Certified Lover Boy*. He also raised concerns that UMG dismissed employees deemed to have loyalty towards him.
In response to the allegations, UMG issued a statement rebuffing Drake’s claims, asserting that the suggestion of undermining its artists is both “offensive and untrue.” They emphasized their commitment to ethical standards in marketing and promotional activities.
The origins of the current feud remain unclear, although both artists have recently released tracks that include pointed remarks directed at each other. “Not Like Us” notably achieved significant commercial success, holding the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and accumulating over 900,000 streams on Spotify.
Before advancing his claims to a formal lawsuit, Drake is seeking information about individuals allegedly compensated by UMG and Spotify for promoting the song. He concluded his petition by highlighting the competitive nature of the music industry, stating, “Every time a song ‘breaks through,’ it means another artist does not.”
This situation underscores the ongoing cuts and rivalries within the music industry, but it also showcases the resilience of artists who are willing to speak up about perceived injustices, reflecting a more competitive yet transparent environment for all musicians.
Overall, while the conflict between these top artists may seem contentious, it could ultimately lead to substantial discussions about fair practices and transparency in the music industry, which may benefit all artists in the long run.