Canadian rapper Drake has launched a scathing allegation against Universal Music Group (UMG), claiming the record label engaged in manipulative practices to boost Kendrick Lamar’s latest diss track while suppressing his own music. According to a court filing obtained by The Independent, Drake asserts that UMG used bots and a pay-to-play scheme to flood streaming platforms and airwaves with Lamar’s track, “Not Like Us,” at the expense of his own releases
Allegations of Streaming Manipulation
The court filing, submitted by Drake and his company Frozen Moments LLC, accuses UMG of artificially inflating the popularity of “Not Like Us.” The document claims the label paid Spotify to recommend Lamar’s song to users searching for unrelated music and even influenced Apple’s Siri to misdirect users requesting Drake’s songs by playing Lamar’s track instead. These actions allegedly created “the false impression that the song was more popular than it was in reality.”
Drake Pushes Back Against UMG Practices
Drake’s legal petition seeks to compel UMG and Spotify to preserve all relevant documents and communications in preparation for a forthcoming lawsuit. While UMG has reportedly refused to engage with Drake on the matter, suggesting he direct his complaints at Lamar instead, Drake’s camp clarified that his grievances lie with the label’s alleged shady business practices, not his rival.
Speaking to The Independent, a source close to Drake stated that his objective is to expose and rectify these practices, potentially benefiting lesser-known artists by curbing industry-wide exploitation.
Fallout Within the Label
Drake’s filing also claims that UMG has attempted to obscure its actions by terminating employees perceived as loyal to him. The document alleges that these internal purges are part of a broader effort to suppress evidence of the label’s favoritism toward Lamar.
Escalating Tensions Between Drake and Lamar
This controversy marks the latest chapter in the heated rivalry between Drake and Lamar. The two artists have exchanged barbs through their music, with Lamar accusing Drake of being a “certified pedophile” in “Not Like Us” and Drake responding by calling Lamar a “domestic abuser” while questioning the paternity of his child. Despite these lyrical battles, Drake’s legal filing underscores a larger concern with industry practices rather than personal grievances.
A Potential Industry Reckoning
If Drake succeeds in his legal efforts, the case could spark significant changes in how streaming platforms and labels operate, setting a precedent for greater transparency and fairness. As the story develops, it remains to be seen how UMG and other industry players will respond to these explosive allegations.
Leave a Reply