Drake's turbulent relationship with the music industry has taken yet another dramatic turn as the Canadian rapper initiates legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify. The legal storm centers around Kendrick Lamar's track "Not Like Us," which Drake claims was artificially inflated by the duo, reigniting their long-standing feud.
This latest twist is particularly riveting considering both artists are distributed by UMG, making the situation even more complex. It was reported first by Billboard and echoed by Variety and other outlets, showing the enormity of the accusations Drake is laying at the feet of his label.
On Monday, Drake's company, Frozen Moments LLC, filed court documents alleging UMG and Spotify conspired to create what he termed an "illegal scheme" to boost the numbers for Lamar's accusatory song. The accusations involved tactics such as using bots, payola, and other methods to deceive listeners about the actual popularity of "Not Like Us," which takes direct aim at Drake, accusing him of numerous charges ranging from personal misconduct to pedophilia.
According to the legal filings, UMG supposedly engaged in activities aimed at artificially inflattering Lamar's song. This includes licensing the track at significantly reduced rates to Spotify and purportedly using automated programs to inflate streaming numbers, which would mislead the public about its actual reception.
"The suggestion the UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue," said a UMG spokesperson, who staunchly defended the integrity of their marketing practices. They maintained their commitment to ethical practices, asserting fans make choices based on their preferences rather than contrived marketing schemes.
Drake's legal argument brings forth claims under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, historically used to combat organized crime, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations. They also accuse UMG of engaging in deceptive business practices and false advertising, which could have significant ramifications for the way music is marketed moving forward.
This legal drama marks just one chapter in the heated rivalry between Drake and Lamar, which has been characterized by back-and-forth diss tracks and public jabs. Earlier this year, Lamar released multiple songs taking explicit shots at Drake, including the infamous line which labeled him as having predatory behaviors. Drake has consistently denied these claims. Since releasing "Not Like Us," Lamar has brought fresh fuel to this already fiery dispute, creating additional pressures on both artists.
Adding another layer to the conflict, Drake's representatives also claim UMG used similar tactics with other streaming services besides Spotify. They allege payments were made to have Apple's voice assistant Siri misdirect users toward Lamar's track, indicating a widespread and deliberate campaign to manipulate the music streaming ecosystem.
Interestingly, as the legal filings surfaced, the first came as part of what's called "pre-action" litigation—essentially seeking information before filing lawsuits—neither of which constitutes formal lawsuits at this stage. Drake's lawyers filed additional documents accusing UMG of defamation due to the release of "Not Like Us," arguing they had the authority to prevent such damaging allegations from spreading.
The latest filings also include accusations against iHeartRadio, claiming they participated in exacerbated promotion of Lamar's track, which seems to threaten Drake's career capital. Both UMG's and Spotify's reputations are at stake as they are also finding themselves pulled increasingly front and center amid this high-profile battle.
Even with this latest set of allegations, Kendrick Lamar himself has not yet been named as a defendant or commented publicly on the legal drama. Despite the controversial nature of the track and the allegations it levies, the rapper has remained silent throughout this turbulent episode, possibly calculating his next move carefully amid the chaos, especially with unexpected album releases making waves.
With Drake recently commenting during his streaming show about the strength of his character and how he appears "full intact, mind, body, and soul," it seems he’s gearing up for what could be a protracted legal battle. He emphasized the need for facts and dismissed Lamar's accusations as fairy tales—not backing down from the fight.
The timing could not be more uncanny, with Lamar launching his surprise album "GNX" just days before Drake's legal maneuvers. This has led many to believe the tension between the two artists could intensify as both navigate the precarious world of public image and personal vendettas.
The legal proceedings are bound to keep fans on the edge of their seats, as they question how high-profile celebrity feuds affect the music industry's realities. With allegations flying and both stars creating verbal salvos through their music and now legal channels, the public can only expect more drama to unfurl as these two titans of hip-hop challenge one another.
With such incredible stakes engaged, many are left wondering how this saga will end and if there is any road to reconciliation between these two massively influential artists. One thing is clear: the saga of Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and the machinations of their record labels promises to be as captivating as the music they create.
Reports continue to emerge as the legal situation develops, and both fans and industry insiders remain anxious to see how Jason Drakes' multi-faceted legal claims will evolve. For the curious, more is bound to surface—fans should keep their ears tuned to the airwaves and their eyes on the courts.
