Drake Accuses UMG and Spotify of Inflating Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”

Drake has filed a pre-action petition in Manhattan court against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, alleging they orchestrated a scheme to manipulate the success of Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us”. The track, which includes inflammatory lyrics targeting Drake sues UMG, allegedly benefited from artificial inflation tactics, including bots, payola, and manipulated recommendations.

Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, alleges UMG with unethical business practices and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) breaching. These assertions suggest that the two hip-hop stars Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s dispute has grown really intense.

Key Allegations Against UMG

Manipulation of Streaming Platforms

Drake sues UMG artificially promoted “Not Like Us” using their tight relationship with Spotify:

• Bots and Automation: UMG reportedly used bots to falsify streaming counts, therefore giving the song an almost universal appeal.
• Pay-to-Play Agreements: Drake’s attorneys claim that UMG paid Spotify lower licensing fees in exchange for Spotify promoting the song to consumers looking for unrelated content.

Use of Technology and Influencers

Drake sues UMG of using internet platforms and social media celebrities.

• Social Media Campaigns: UMG allegedly paid influential people to advertise the song without revealing financial links.
• Siri Misdirection: The petition charges Apple’s voice assistant Siri misdirected consumers seeking Drake’s album Certified Lover Boy to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.”

Alleged Motivations

Drake’s legal team contends that internal corporate incentives drove UMG’s activities. Executives at Interscope Records, a UMG affiliate connected with Lamar, allegedly sought to maximise the earnings of their division by increasing Lamar’s catalogue at Drake’s expense.

The Impact of “Not Like Us”

Released earlier this year, “Not Like Us” became a cultural phenomenon, securing Lamar his first solo No. 1 debut on the Billboard Hot 100. The track, which includes accusations against Drake, broke multiple Spotify records and earned Grammy nominations for Record and Song of the Year. Drake’s lawyers contend, however, that the song’s popularity was not natural and point to manipulative techniques meant to discredit Drake and eclipse his successes.

UMG and Spotify Respond

Strongly rejecting the claims, UMG has labelled them as “offensive and untrue.” A UMG spokesman underlined the ethical marketing policies of the company and charged Drake with making unfounded accusations. Spotify underlined its dedication to reducing fake streaming techniques but refrained to discuss the details.

Escalating Feud Between Lamar and Drake

The court action marks the most recent turn in a nasty conflict between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Once friends, the two musicians have been at odds since Lamar’s 2013 public comments. With a run of diss singles leading to “Not Like Us,” the strife peaked this year.

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Conclusion

Drake sues UMG and Spotify marks a change in his approach with Kendrick Lamar. Clarifying label dynamics and streaming limits helps the subject have overall effects on the music business. Though the question of whether the allegations have water in court is still up for discussion, the conflict between two of hip-hop’s legends has moved outside of music into the legal sphere.