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Drake Takes Legal Action Against UMG and Spotify

Legal

Business Honor
26 November, 2024

Drake files legal action against UMG and Spotify, alleging manipulation of Kendrick Lamar's song popularity through deceptive tactics

Drake has initiated legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, accusing the companies of conspiring to artificially inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s song "Not Like Us." In a filing on November 25 in Manhattan court, Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, alleges that UMG used bots, payola, and other methods to promote Lamar’s track, which included diss lyrics directed at Drake during their ongoing feud.

Drake’s legal team claims that UMG violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), a law commonly used in organized crime cases, and also accused the company of deceptive business practices and false advertising under New York state law. The filing describes how UMG allegedly manipulated streaming services and social media to promote the song beyond its organic popularity.

This filing comes as a continuation of the public feud between Drake and Lamar, which included several diss tracks exchanged earlier in the year. While the document filed in court is not a full lawsuit, it is a "pre-action" petition, which aims to gather information before taking further legal action. Drake’s lawyers claim that UMG’s actions included charging Spotify reduced licensing rates to promote the song, paying influencers to boost it on social media, and using bots to inflate streaming numbers.

The filing also claims that UMG engaged Apple to misdirect users through Siri, leading them to Lamar’s song instead of Drake’s album Certified Lover Boy. However, Apple has not been named in the petition, and no wrongdoing has been alleged against the company.

UMG has denied the allegations, stating that it upholds the highest ethical standards in its promotional campaigns. The company also rejected the suggestion that it would undermine any artist’s success. Spotify declined to comment on the matter.