Drake has recently taken legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, alleging that they colluded to artificially inflate streams of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track aimed at Drake, titled ‘Not Like Us’.
Feud and Allegations
The ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has escalated, with Drake accusing UMG and Spotify of using bots, biased recommendations, and undisclosed payments to boost the streams of ‘Not Like Us’. Court documents obtained by Pitchfork reveal the extent of these allegations.
Legal Filing
A petition was submitted to a New York court on November 25, claiming that UMG and Spotify intentionally suppressed Drake’s music as part of a larger scheme to manipulate streaming services and airwaves.
Defamation Claims
Drake also lodged a separate petition against UMG, asserting that ‘Not Like Us’ contains defamatory content. His lawyers contend that the track falsely accuses him of engaging in criminal acts, tarnishing his reputation in the process.
UMG’s Alleged Actions
The legal filing suggests that UMG orchestrated a plan to make ‘Not Like Us’ a viral sensation, aiming to capitalize on the controversy surrounding the track. Allegations of defamation and intentional harm to Drake’s image are at the forefront of this claim.
Pay-to-Play Allegations
Further accusations include UMG’s involvement in a pay-to-play scheme with iHeartRadio and the use of influencers to promote ‘Not Like Us’ on social media. The goal was to artificially inflate the track’s popularity and deceive consumers.
Potential Legal Ramifications
While these legal actions do not constitute lawsuits, they serve as a precursor to possible litigation in the future. Both cases seek information from involved parties to build a stronger legal case.
Conclusion
The ongoing legal battle between Drake, UMG, and Spotify sheds light on the complexities of the music industry and the power dynamics at play. As the situation unfolds, the repercussions for all parties involved remain to be seen.
FAQs
Q: What are Drake’s main allegations against UMG and Spotify?
A: Drake claims that UMG and Spotify conspired to boost streams of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track ‘Not Like Us’ through unethical means such as bots and biased recommendations.
Q: What legal actions has Drake taken against UMG?
A: In addition to the conspiracy allegations, Drake has filed a petition against UMG for defamation, citing false accusations made in ‘Not Like Us’ that damage his reputation.
Q: What are the potential consequences of these legal actions?
A: While not yet lawsuits, the legal filings could lead to further legal proceedings if evidence of wrongdoing is found, potentially impacting the music industry as a whole.
Credit: mixmag.net
