Canadian rapper Drake has initiated legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, alleging that the two conspired to inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, Not Like Us, while undermining his own music. The petition was filed with the New York Supreme Court on Monday, November 25.
In his filing, Drake, whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, accuses UMG of using bots and a pay-to-play scheme to flood streaming platforms with Lamar’s track. The lawsuit claims UMG paid Spotify to prioritize Not Like Us in search results, even when users searched for unrelated artists or songs. It further alleges that Apple’s Siri misdirected users requesting Drake’s songs by playing Lamar’s track instead.
Allegations Against UMG and Spotify
The filing contends that UMG used unethical methods, including:
- Bot Networks: A whistleblower reportedly revealed that UMG paid for bots to generate 30 million streams for Not Like Us within days of its May 3 release.
- Discounted Licensing Rates: Spotify allegedly received UMG’s music catalog at a 30% discount in exchange for aggressively promoting Not Like Us.
- Siri Manipulation: When users requested Drake’s album Certified Lover Boy, Siri allegedly played Lamar’s track containing the lyric “certified pedophile,” targeting Drake.
- Radio and Social Media Influencers: UMG reportedly paid for extra radio airplay and undisclosed endorsements from influencers, resulting in Not Like Us becoming the most-streamed diss track in Spotify history, with nearly 900 million streams in a single day.
Financial Motivations
The lawsuit suggests that UMG’s actions were financially driven, claiming Lamar’s success boosted sales of his back catalog, generating even more revenue for the label. In 2023, UMG reportedly earned $2.3 billion from Spotify alone, making the streaming platform a crucial revenue source.
Legal Violations
Drake’s legal team accuses UMG and Spotify of violating:
- The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)
- The New York Deceptive Business Practices Act
- The New York False Advertising Act
Drake is not targeting Kendrick Lamar personally but criticizes UMG for allegedly favoring one artist over another for financial gain.
UMG’s Response
A UMG spokesperson dismissed Drake’s allegations, calling them “offensive and untrue.” The spokesperson emphasized that UMG upholds ethical practices in its marketing and promotional campaigns, asserting that fans choose the music they want to hear.
Drake’s Retaliation
Drake has responded musically to Lamar’s diss, releasing tracks that include accusations of domestic abuse and doubts about Lamar’s paternity. Despite the personal attacks in their music, Drake insists his grievance lies with UMG’s alleged shady business practices, not Lamar himself.
As the lawsuit unfolds, the court will determine whether UMG and Spotify engaged in unethical practices or if Drake’s claims lack merit.