Drake Takes Legal Action Against Universal Music
Drake Takes Legal Action Against Universal Music Over Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track
A recent development in the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has seen Drake take legal action against Universal Music. The rapper’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, has filed a pre-action petition in New York, accusing Universal Music and Spotify of engaging in an illegal scheme to artificially boost streams of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.”
According to the court filing, Universal Music and Spotify allegedly used bots, payola, and other methods to promote Lamar’s song, which was widely seen as a diss track aimed at Drake. The petition claims that Universal Music “did not rely on chance” but instead launched a campaign to manipulate and saturate streaming services and airwaves with Lamar’s song.
Drake’s lawyers allege that Universal Music conspired with unknown parties to artificially boost the prominence of “Not Like Us.” They claim that the label cut its royalty rates for the song by 30% in exchange for Spotify recommending it to users. The filing also cites a whistleblower’s claims that they were paid $2,500 to set up software bots that would stream the song on repeat, turning it into a “crazy hit.”
The legal action is seen as a surprising move in the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The two rappers have been engaged in a public dispute, with Lamar releasing a surprise album, GNX, which is widely seen as a follow-up to “Not Like Us.” Lamar’s diss track was recently nominated for four Grammy awards, including song of the year.
Universal Music has responded to the allegations, calling them “offensive and untrue.” A spokesperson for the label stated that fans choose the music they want to hear and that Universal Music employs the highest ethical practices in its marketing and promotional campaigns.
The legal action is not a full lawsuit but a pre-action petition, which allows Drake’s lawyers to ask the court to order Universal Music and Spotify to preserve all relevant documents and information ahead of future legal action. The BBC understands that the action is principally aimed at Universal Music, with Spotify named in the belief that it may have information relevant to a lawsuit.
The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has been ongoing for several months, with both rappers releasing diss tracks aimed at each other. The dispute has sparked a heated debate in the music industry, with many fans and artists weighing in on the issue.
In a recent interview, Drake’s lawyer stated that the rapper is seeking justice for the alleged manipulation of streaming numbers. “Drake is seeking to hold Universal Music and Spotify accountable for their actions,” the lawyer said. “He believes that the manipulation of streaming numbers is a serious issue that affects not just him but all artists in the music industry.”
The case has sparked a wider debate about the music industry’s use of streaming numbers to measure an artist’s success. Many artists and fans have spoken out about the issue, arguing that the manipulation of streaming numbers can have serious consequences for artists’ careers and livelihoods.
As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the music industry will respond to the allegations of streaming manipulation. One thing is certain, however: the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has sparked a wider conversation about the music industry’s use of streaming numbers, and it will be interesting to see how this conversation develops in the coming months.
