Drake has taken legal action against Universal Music Group, accusing the company of artificially inflating the popularity of Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us" on streaming services such as Spotify. The feud between the two hip-hop superstars has been ongoing, with "Not Like Us" being released as part of a series of diss tracks aimed at Drake.
In a court filing by Drake's company Frozen Moments LLC, it is alleged that UMG engaged in a campaign to manipulate streaming services and airwaves in order to make "Not Like Us" go viral. The filing claims that UMG used tactics such as bots and pay-to-play agreements to boost the song's popularity. Additionally, the petition accuses UMG of firing employees loyal to Drake in an effort to conceal their actions.
UMG has denied the allegations, stating that they employ the highest ethical practices in their marketing and promotional campaigns. They argue that fans ultimately choose the music they want to hear, and that no amount of legal arguments can mask this fact.
The feud between Drake and Lamar dates back to 2013 when Lamar began publicly taking jabs at Drake. The conflict escalated earlier this year, leading to the current legal battle between the two artists and their associated record labels.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the ongoing feud between Drake and Lamar, as well as their respective careers. The involvement of major players such as UMG and Spotify adds a layer of complexity to the situation, highlighting the high stakes involved in this dispute between two of hip-hop's biggest stars.