DRAKE VS KENDRICK & UMG
In 2024, the longstanding rivalry between Canadian rapper Drake and American rapper Kendrick Lamar escalated into a legal confrontation involving Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify. The dispute centers on Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” which contains allegations against Drake and has achieved significant commercial success.
Allegations Against UMG and Spotify
In November 2024, Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, filed legal petitions in New York and Texas accusing UMG and Spotify of artificially inflating the popularity of “Not Like Us.” The filings allege that UMG employed bots, undisclosed payments, and algorithm manipulation to boost the song’s streaming numbers, thereby violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and engaging in deceptive business practices. Additionally, Drake claims that UMG funneled payments to iHeartRadio as part of a “pay-to-play scheme” to promote the track on radio platforms.
UMG and Spotify’s Response
UMG has categorically denied the allegations, stating that they adhere to the highest ethical standards in their marketing and promotional campaigns. They assert that music popularity is determined by fan choice, not manipulation. Spotify also refuted the claims, emphasizing that there was no agreement with UMG to artificially boost the song’s streams.
Legal Proceedings and Delays
The legal proceedings have encountered delays. A court hearing in Texas, initially scheduled for December 20, 2024, was postponed to January 13, 2025, due to miscommunication. This hearing aims to determine whether Drake can depose employees of UMG and iHeartRadio regarding the alleged promotional activities for “Not Like Us.”
Industry and Public Reaction
The hip-hop community and fans have expressed mixed reactions to Drake’s legal approach. Some critics argue that resorting to legal action deviates from traditional rap feud culture, where disputes are typically addressed through music. Others view the lawsuit as an important stand against potential unethical practices in the music industry.
Current Status
As of January 2025, the legal battle remains unresolved, with upcoming court dates expected to shed more light on the allegations and defenses presented by both parties. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for industry practices related to music promotion and streaming metrics.
