Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track Breaks Records: Spotify’s Billion-Stream Milestone

Kendrick Lamar’s controversial diss track, “Not Like Us,” has achieved a monumental milestone. The track recently crossed one billion streams on Spotify, solidifying its place as a groundbreaking moment in hip-hop history. Released in May 2024, this Drake diss not only climbed to the top of the charts twice but was also crowned Top Rap Song of 2024. Additionally, it became the best-selling track and the most-streamed song on Apple Music last year. These achievements further underscore Kendrick’s dominance in the rap industry.

The First Diss Track to Achieve a Billion Streams

According to the NFR Podcast, “Not Like Us” is the first diss track to surpass a billion streams on Spotify. This milestone comes amidst significant controversies surrounding the song and its implications. Notably, Drake, the subject of the diss, has accused Universal Music Group (UMG) of deploying unethical practices, such as using streaming bots and payola, to artificially boost the track’s performance.

Explosive Growth in Streams and Sales

As of now, “Not Like Us” has amassed 1,002,438,426 streams on Spotify, a remarkable feat accomplished in near-record time. Following the release of Drake’s legal filings against UMG last November, the song’s sales surged by a staggering 440%, while its streaming numbers jumped by 20%, according to Talk of the Charts. These figures highlight the intense public interest generated by the ongoing feud between two of hip-hop’s biggest stars.

Legal Battle Between Drake and UMG

Drake has taken legal action against UMG, filing two pre-action petitions to gather evidence for potential lawsuits. These petitions, though not lawsuits themselves, aim to uncover whether UMG engaged in deceptive practices to promote “Not Like Us.”

In his first filing, Drake claims UMG employed bots and payola to manipulate streaming and radio airplay for Kendrick’s track, ensuring its meteoric rise. The filing seeks to uncover information from UMG and Spotify to identify defendants for a lawsuit. Potential allegations include violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, as well as New York’s Deceptive Business Act and False Advertising Act. Specific accusations cite acts of wire fraud, mail fraud, and bribery.

Drake’s second filing targets UMG’s alleged role in defamation. He accuses the company of knowingly releasing a song that labels him a pedophile, a claim that has significantly tarnished his reputation. The filing also investigates whether UMG funneled payments to iHeartMedia and its radio stations to amplify the track’s reach.

UMG’s Response

Universal Music Group has strongly denied all allegations. In a public statement, they declared, “The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.”

A Historic Achievement Amid Controversy

Despite the legal drama, “Not Like Us” remains a testament to Kendrick Lamar’s artistry and cultural impact. The song’s success, paired with its ability to spark intense discussions in the music industry, showcases Kendrick’s unmatched influence. While Drake’s allegations have added fuel to the fire, they have also inadvertently boosted the track’s popularity, driving its streaming numbers to unprecedented heights.

As the feud unfolds, one thing remains certain: “Not Like Us” has cemented its place as one of the most significant and talked-about tracks in recent rap history.