Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) has raised a major legal dispute in the music industry. Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, alleges that UMG used bots, payola, and other controversial tactics to artificially inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us”, which was part of the feud between the two artists. The track features serious accusations from Kendrick, including an allegation of pedophilia against Drake.
Drake’s legal claim argues that UMG, in collaboration with Spotify, manipulated streaming numbers by offering reduced licensing rates for the song and using automated methods to boost its streaming success. This lawsuit suggests that the label took unfair steps to elevate Kendrick’s track, undermining Drake’s position in the competitive music market.
In response, UMG has strongly rejected these claims. They issued a statement calling the accusations “offensive and untrue,” emphasizing their commitment to ethical marketing and promotional practices. UMG maintains that fans ultimately determine what music they want to listen to, and the success of the track reflects genuine popularity rather than manipulative tactics.
This legal battle is especially intense given that both Drake and Kendrick Lamar are represented by UMG. The case has already sparked significant attention within the music industry, with some questioning the ethics of promotional practices used by major labels.
Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar recently released a surprise album, which is likely to add more fuel to the ongoing rivalry. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications on how streaming services and record labels operate in terms of promotional efforts and artist competition.
