Drake Accuses UMG and Spotify of Unethical Promotion Tactics in Legal Battle Over Kendrick Lamar's Hit
In a surprising twist to the ongoing feud between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar, Drake has initiated legal action against his own label, Universal Music Group (UMG), and streaming giant Spotify, alleging unethical practices in promoting Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us." The song, released amidst a series of back-and-forth diss tracks in 2024, has not only dominated charts but also sparked one of the most significant legal confrontations in recent music industry history.
Background of the Dispute
The feud between Drake and Lamar has been a focal point in the hip-hop world, with "Not Like Us" becoming a central element due to its chart-topping success and critical acclaim. However, Drake's company, Frozen Moments LLC, has now filed what is described as a "pre-action" petition in a Manhattan court, accusing UMG of manipulating the song's popularity through illegal means.
Drake's Allegations
According to the legal documents, Drake claims that UMG employed a "scheme" involving bots, payola, and skewed streaming algorithms to artificially inflate the streams and chart positions of "Not Like Us." The accusations extend to allege that UMG offered Spotify reduced licensing rates in exchange for the song being aggressively recommended to users searching for unrelated content. There are also claims that UMG paid influencers to promote the song covertly and even manipulated Apple's Siri to play Lamar's track when users requested Drake's music.
Legal Context
This legal move is not yet a full-blown lawsuit but a strategic step under New York law to gather information before potentially escalating to a formal legal battle. The allegations include serious charges like violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, deceptive business practices, and false advertising.
UMG's Defense
UMG has vehemently denied these allegations, describing them as "offensive and untrue." The label insists that its marketing and promotional strategies are ethical, emphasizing that the success of "Not Like Us" is a testament to genuine fan support rather than manipulated metrics.
Broader Implications
This lawsuit not only escalates the personal feud between two of hip-hop's biggest names but also casts a spotlight on the murky waters of music streaming and promotion. It raises questions about the integrity of chart success in the digital age and could set a precedent for how streaming platforms and record labels manage artist promotion and streaming data transparency.
Public Reaction
On social media platforms like X, reactions have been mixed. Some see Drake's legal action as an attempt to reclaim his standing after being overshadowed by Lamar's track, while others are delving into discussions about the ethics of streaming manipulation. There's a notable amount of discourse questioning the validity of Drake's claims, considering both artists are under UMG's umbrella.
This legal skirmish could redefine artist-label relationships and how music promotion is conducted, highlighting the complex interplay between artists, labels, and streaming services. As this story develops, the music industry watches closely, pondering the potential repercussions on its practices.
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