Drake Accuses UMG and Spotify of Manipulating Streams for Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track
Toronto-born rapper Drake has leveled serious allegations against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, accusing the two music giants of orchestrating an illegal scheme to inflate the success of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, Not Like Us. Through his company, Frozen Moments LLC, Drake filed a “pre-action” petition in a Manhattan court on Monday, marking a significant escalation in his ongoing feud with Lamar.
Drake claims that UMG employed unethical tactics, including the use of bots and payola, to manipulate streaming numbers and airplay for Lamar’s track. Released on May 4, Not Like Us quickly became a viral sensation, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 and garnering widespread acclaim. The song, which contains pointed references to allegations of misconduct against Drake, has also earned multiple Grammy nominations.
Serious Allegations Against Industry Giants
Drake’s legal filing accuses UMG of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, deceptive business practices, and false advertising. His legal team argues that the alleged manipulation of streaming platforms like Spotify allowed Not Like Us to achieve artificial success.
“UMG did not rely on chance or ordinary business practices,” Drake’s lawyers wrote. “Instead, it launched a campaign to manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves.”
The filing stops short of being a full-blown lawsuit but serves as a prelude to potential legal action. Drake’s legal team has requested access to documents that could support these claims.
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The Feud That Keeps Escalating
Not Like Us is a product of the heated rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, two of hip-hop’s most prominent figures. The track is widely regarded as one of the most pointed diss songs in recent years, featuring sharp criticisms and incendiary accusations against Drake.
While the song’s massive popularity has cemented Lamar’s dominance in the ongoing feud, Drake’s petition questions the legitimacy of its success. If his claims are substantiated, it could raise broader questions about transparency and fairness in the music industry.
Potential Implications for the Music Industry
Drake’s accusations shed light on long-standing concerns about manipulation in the digital streaming era. The use of bots and payola, though difficult to prove, has been a topic of debate as artists and record labels vie for dominance on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
If Drake’s legal action progresses, it could spark wider scrutiny of how major music corporations influence streaming metrics and audience reach. This case could also lead to discussions about regulatory measures to ensure a level playing field for all artists.
UMG and Spotify Yet to Respond
As of now, neither UMG nor Spotify has issued a public response to the allegations. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar’s camp has remained silent, with the rapper focusing on upcoming Grammy preparations where Not Like Us is expected to be a strong contender.
For fans, this latest development adds another layer of intrigue to the already dramatic saga between Drake and Lamar. Beyond the personal feud, however, the case could have lasting implications for the music industry and its practices in the streaming age.
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