Drake has taken his feud with Kendrick Lamar to the courts, alleging that Universal Music Group unfairly boosted Lamar’s hit track Not Like Us at the expense of his own music. The Canadian rapper filed legal papers on Monday in New York and Texas, accusing Universal of using bots and payola schemes to inflate streaming numbers and radio play for Lamar’s track, which became a chart-topping success with 915 million Spotify streams.
Accusations of Manipulated Streaming and Radio Airplay
Drake’s legal team claims Universal prioritized Lamar’s success by granting Spotify licensing discounts and orchestrating a promotional blitz for Not Like Us. The petition also accuses Universal of enabling Lamar’s song, which contains defamatory remarks about Drake, including accusations of criminal behavior.
In the New York filing, Drake’s lawyers name Spotify as part of the alleged scheme, citing an unnamed source who claims Lamar’s label, Interscope, used bots to boost streams. Meanwhile, the Texas filing, which targets iHeartMedia, raises concerns about potential pay-for-play arrangements but lacks confirmation of iHeartRadio’s involvement.
Universal Responds to the Allegations
Universal has denied the allegations, labeling them “absurd” and asserting that their marketing practices are ethical. A representative stated, “Fans choose the music they want to hear,” dismissing Drake’s accusations as baseless.
The Feud Behind the Lawsuit
This legal dispute follows a heated rap feud between Drake and Lamar earlier this year, with both artists releasing tracks aimed at each other. Lamar’s Not Like Us became the breakout hit, dominating the charts and earning Grammy nominations.
What’s Next?
The filings represent preliminary steps toward potential lawsuits, underscoring the escalating tension between Drake, Lamar, and their shared record label. As Universal profits from both artists’ success, the case raises questions about fairness in the music industry and the power dynamics behind chart-topping hits.
What Do You Think?
Do you believe Drake’s claims about Universal playing favorites, or is this just another layer of their rap rivalry? Share your thoughts below!
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