Drake has initiated legal proceedings against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, claiming they colluded to artificially inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us.” This song has sharply criticized Drake during their highly publicized feud, which has garnered significant attention in the hip-hop community.
The rapper’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, filed a petition on Monday in a New York court. The petition seeks to ensure that any potential evidence related to the case against UMG and Spotify, the companies involved in the distribution and streaming of both artists’ music, is preserved and made available.
In its legal filing, Frozen Moments LLC accuses UMG of launching a deceptive campaign to overwhelm streaming platforms and radio stations with “Not Like Us.” The petition claims that this campaign included the use of automated bots and questionable pay-to-play agreements. UMG is said to have a longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship with Spotify, during which special licensing rates for the song were allegedly offered to the streaming giant.
Furthermore, the petition alleges that UMG has dismissed employees viewed as loyal to Drake, seemingly to cover up its supposed manipulations.
In response, UMG issued a statement asserting that the claim that they would undermine any of their artists is both “offensive and untrue.” The company emphasized that it adheres to the highest ethical standards in its marketing and promotional efforts, condemning what they described as “contrived and absurd legal arguments” in the petition.
“Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar’s hit single released earlier this year, gained immense popularity and has racked up over 900 million streams on Spotify. The track features pointed lyrics directed at Drake, with references that have fueled public interest in their ongoing feud.
Spotify representatives have not provided immediate comments regarding the legal actions, but previously stated that they heavily invest in both automated and manual reviews to counteract the effects of artificial streaming. They noted their commitment to combating any negative influences on streaming statistics and royalties.
The conflict between Drake, a 38-year-old Canadian rapper and five-time Grammy winner, and Lamar, a 37-year-old Pulitzer Prize-winning artist slated to headline the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, is considered one of the most prominent rivalries in hip-hop today. Their collaborations date back over a decade, but public disputes began in 2013, escalating significantly earlier this year. Drake’s recent legal action marks a considerable intensification of their feud and implicates major stakeholders involved with both artists.
