Rapper Drake Accuses UMG and Spotify of Inflating “Not Like Us” Popularity
In a stunning legal development, Drake has filed a pre-action petition against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, accusing the companies of artificially inflating the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s diss song, “Not Like Us.” The petition, filed in a Manhattan court on November 25, claims that UMG used manipulative tactics, including bots, payola, and saturated marketing campaigns, to give the impression that Kendrick Lamar’s track was a chart-topping success. This filing marks the beginning of what could lead to a full-scale lawsuit.
Allegations of Manipulation: Payola and Bots
According to Drake’s legal team, UMG did not rely on normal business practices to promote Kendrick Lamar’s track. Instead, the petition alleges that UMG launched a targeted campaign to inflate the song’s success by manipulating streaming services and airwaves. Specifically, it claims that UMG paid Spotify to push “Not Like Us” to users who were searching for completely unrelated songs or artists, including Drake’s music. This, according to the petition, created a false impression of the song’s popularity and led to it charting higher than it would have organically.
The legal documents further claim that Apple was involved in the scheme. Drake’s team alleges that Siri was intentionally programmed to redirect users asking for Drake’s songs to Kendrick’s track instead, which again inflated its numbers. The petition also accuses UMG of using bots to artificially boost the song’s streaming numbers, making it appear far more popular than it actually was.
Drake Seeks Court Order to Gather Evidence
Drake’s legal action isn’t yet a full-fledged lawsuit but a pre-action petition, which is required by New York State law in order to gather documents and other relevant evidence before formally filing a lawsuit. This move is crucial for Drake to build a case against both UMG and Spotify, as he demands they produce all relevant documents concerning the alleged manipulation campaign.
The petition paints a picture of corporate deceit and deliberate efforts to undermine Drake’s own music career by artificially boosting a diss track aimed at him. Drake’s team argues that these actions were not just unethical but could also be damaging to his reputation and career.
UMG and Spotify Deny the Claims
In response to the allegations, UMG has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. A representative from the company told Variety that the notion of UMG undermining its own artists through manipulative tactics is “offensive and untrue.” The representative added that UMG adheres to the highest standards of marketing ethics and that the company’s promotional campaigns are transparent and above board. UMG’s stance suggests that they will fight back against Drake’s legal claims, and they have already dismissed the allegations, suggesting that Drake should sue Kendrick Lamar if he is unhappy with the song’s popularity.
Meanwhile, Spotify has not publicly addressed the legal petition. However, the streaming giant is likely to face scrutiny over its role in the alleged manipulation, especially since the petition claims the company was involved in funneling traffic towards Kendrick Lamar’s diss track.
Drake’s Defiant Public Persona and Ongoing Feud with Kendrick Lamar
This legal battle comes amid a growing public feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The tension between the two has been escalating for years, with both artists releasing diss tracks aimed at one another. In recent months, Kendrick Lamar’s music, particularly the song “Not Like Us,” has been seen as a direct jab at Drake. Kendrick’s track includes scathing lines about Drake, accusing him of unethical behavior and controversial actions.
Drake, however, remains defiant. He recently appeared on a livestream with Canadian streamer xQc, where he took shots at Kendrick Lamar while addressing his fans. During the stream, Drake remarked, “I’m here — mind, body, and soul fully intact,” a clear reference to the personal attacks Kendrick has made on him in the past. Additionally, Drake made several pointed comments about Kendrick Lamar’s diss tracks and even dissed Steve Lacy during the broadcast.
Industry Reactions: Punch Responds
The rap community has reacted strongly to the legal developments. Top Dawg Entertainment’s Punch, a prominent figure in Kendrick Lamar’s camp, took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a cryptic message in response to Drake’s legal actions. Punch wrote, “Naaaaaahhhh. The rap streets is done. SMH.” This comment appears to be a reflection of the growing tension between the two camps, signaling that the feud is far from over.
Though Kendrick Lamar has not publicly commented on the legal petition, the increasing animosity between the two artists continues to fuel speculation about the underlying causes of their rivalry. Some fans have already drawn comparisons between their musical paths, noting that Kendrick’s decision not to sign with Drake’s OVO Sound label may have been a catalyst for their strained relationship.
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