The ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has taken a dramatic legal turn. Drake, through his company Frozen Moments LLC, has accused Universal Music Group (UMG) of inflating streaming figures for Kendrick’s diss track, “Not Like Us.” In a pre-action petition filed in Manhattan court, Drake claims that UMG conspired with Spotify to use bots, payola, and reduced licensing rates to boost the song’s popularity artificially.
The accusations are significant given that UMG distributes music for both artists. If proven, this case could expose widespread manipulation tactics in the music industry, challenging ethical practices within major labels and streaming platforms.
Adding another layer, the petition alleges UMG paid Apple to misdirect Siri users to Kendrick’s track. Drake’s legal team invokes the RICO Act, usually reserved for organized crime, signaling the severity of these claims. UMG denies all allegations, emphasizing their commitment to fair practices and dismissing Drake’s accusations as unfounded.
This legal battle follows a series of intense diss tracks from Kendrick, accusing Drake of personal and professional misconduct, which the Canadian rapper has refuted. After a brief silence, the feud reignited with Kendrick’s surprise album, GNX, released last Friday. Drake’s response in a recent live stream suggests he’s unbothered but ready for the next chapter.
As the industry watches closely, this case could redefine transparency in music streaming, spotlighting the power struggles behind chart-topping hits.
