Universal Music Group (UMG) has fired back at Drake’s explosive lawsuit alleging that the company conspired with Spotify to artificially inflate the streams of Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping single Not Like Us. The music giant dismissed Drake’s accusations as “offensive and untrue,” emphasizing its commitment to ethical business practices.
Drake’s Bold Legal Move
Drake filed the lawsuit through his company, Frozen Moments LLC, just three days after the release of Kendrick Lamar’s sixth studio album, GNX, on November 25. He claims UMG engaged in a scheme to manipulate the song’s success using payola, streaming bots, and other deceptive tactics. Furthermore, the lawsuit accuses UMG of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), a law typically used to prosecute organized crime. According to court filings, UMG is also charged with fraudulent promotion and misleading business practices under New York law.
In the legal documents, Drake’s attorneys stated:
“UMG did not rely on chance, or even ordinary business practices. It instead launched a campaign to manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves.”
Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us Success
The controversy surrounds Not Like Us, a Mustard-produced single that has dominated the charts. The track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and shattered records on the Hot Rap Songs chart, holding the top spot for an unprecedented 24 weeks. On Spotify alone, the song boasts over 900 million streams.
UMG’s Swift Rebuttal
UMG wasted no time responding to the allegations, issuing a statement via Billboard just hours after the lawsuit was filed.
“The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue,” the statement read. “We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.”
The Ongoing Feud
The lawsuit is the latest twist in the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Their rivalry, often played out through diss tracks, reached new heights when Not Like Us was released in May. Ironically, Drake has been closely tied to UMG throughout his career, first under Young Money Entertainment and later signing directly with Republic Records, a UMG subsidiary.
What’s Next?
While UMG stands firm in its defense, Drake’s lawsuit could have significant implications for the music industry, particularly regarding streaming practices and ethical marketing. As both sides gear up for a legal battle, the case could expose the inner workings of music promotion and streaming manipulation—if any truth to the claims emerges.
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