music streaming data from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music

Drake Sues UMG and Spotify Over Alleged Bots and Payola to Boost Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us'

Nov 26, 2024, 12:25 AM

Drake has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, alleging that the two companies conspired to artificially inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us." In legal documents filed Monday in a Manhattan court, Drake's company, Frozen Moments LLC, accuses UMG and Spotify of engaging in an illegal scheme involving bots, payola, deceptive business practices, and false advertisement to boost the streaming numbers of Kendrick Lamar’s song while suppressing Drake's own music. The lawsuit claims that UMG used Spotify and Apple's Siri to promote "Not Like Us" over Drake's tracks and even paid influencers, such as NFR Podcast, to hype the song. UMG, which distributes Drake's music, has denied the allegations. In a statement, a UMG representative said, "The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional efforts. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear." The legal action escalates the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Despite being on the same label, Drake accuses UMG of undermining his career to promote Lamar's music.