In a significant escalation of his ongoing feud with fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar, Drake has initiated legal actions against Universal Music Group (UMG), Spotify, and iHeartRadio. The lawsuits allege that these entities engaged in unethical practices to artificially boost the popularity of Lamar's diss track, "Not Like Us," which contains defamatory content aimed at Drake.
Allegations Against UMG
Drake's legal team contends that UMG, the parent company of both his and Lamar's record labels, orchestrated a scheme to inflate streaming numbers for "Not Like Us." The lawsuit, filed in New York and Texas, accuses UMG of civil fraud and racketeering, asserting that the company promoted Lamar's track despite its defamatory nature. Drake's attorneys argue that UMG could have refused to release or distribute the song or required the offending material to be edited but chose to do the opposite.
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Accusations Against Spotify and iHeartRadio
The legal filings extend to Spotify and iHeartRadio, alleging that UMG engaged in pay-for-play schemes with these platforms to promote "Not Like Us." Drake's team claims that UMG offered Spotify reduced licensing rates in exchange for recommending Lamar's song to users, even when they searched for unrelated artists. Similarly, the lawsuit alleges that UMG funneled payments to iHeartRadio to boost radio spins of the track.
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UMG's Response
UMG has firmly denied the allegations, stating that the suggestion they would undermine any of their artists is offensive and untrue. The company maintains that it employs the highest ethical practices in its marketing and promotional campaigns and that fans choose the music they want to hear.
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Background of the Feud
The dispute between Drake and Kendrick Lamar dates back to 2013 but intensified earlier this year. In March 2024, Lamar released "Not Like Us," a diss track targeting Drake, which quickly gained massive popularity, amassing over 900 million streams on Spotify and earning several Grammy nominations. Drake responded with his own diss tracks, including "Push Ups" and "Taylor Made Freestyle," further fueling the rivalry.
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Legal Implications
Drake's lawsuits highlight the complex interplay between artist relations and corporate interests within the music industry. By accusing UMG of promoting a track that allegedly defames him, Drake is challenging the label's loyalty and ethical standards. The inclusion of Spotify and iHeartRadio in the lawsuits underscores concerns about the integrity of streaming metrics and promotional practices.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the music industry is closely watching the outcome, which could set significant precedents regarding artist-label relationships and the ethics of music promotion. The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, now entangled in legal battles, continues to captivate audiences and industry insiders alike.
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