Drake has initiated legal action against Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that the two companies colluded to artificially boost the streaming and radio performance of Kendrick Lamar’s hit song “Not Like Us,” amidst the ongoing rivalry between the two rap superstars. The petition, filed in a New York court, accuses UMG of employing questionable tactics such as engaging influencers, manipulating radio play, and using bots to enhance the song’s visibility.
Drake’s claims suggest that UMG has a lucrative multi-year licensing agreement with Spotify, under which UMG charged the streaming service significantly less—30% below standard rates—for “Not Like Us.” In return, he alleges that Spotify consistently pushed the song in its recommendations, leading to its heightened popularity. He also mentions that similar tactics were used on platforms like Apple Music, alleging that when users attempted to play his album “Certified Lover Boy,” Siri instead played “Not Like Us.”
The feud between Drake and Lamar has seen both artists release numerous tracks featuring pointed remarks aimed at one another, culminating in Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” which notably spent two weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered over 900,000 streams on Spotify. Furthermore, Drake claims that UMG dismissed employees perceived to favor him.
In a response to the allegations, UMG rejected the accusations, stating that the notion of undermining any of its artists is “offensive and untrue.” They emphasized their adherence to ethical practices within their marketing and promotional strategies.
As Drake moves forward with his case, he is seeking to uncover the identities of those hired by UMG and Spotify to promote Lamar’s track. He argues that every time a song gains widespread recognition through such means, it inevitably impairs the prospects of other artists, including himself.
This case underscores the fierce competition and complex relationships within the music industry. It also brings to light broader concerns about fairness and ethical practices in music promotion, highlighting the potentially significant impact on artists’ careers depending on the marketing methods employed by record labels and streaming services.
While the tensions between these two influential artists could be regarded as negative, it may ultimately foster greater discourse on equity within the industry and lead to changes that benefit all artists in the long run.