A heated legal battle is brewing in the music industry, with Drake accusing Universal Music Group (UMG) of manipulating streaming platforms to favor Kendrick Lamar’s music over his own. In a legal petition filed Monday, the Canadian rapper claims UMG orchestrated a scheme to prioritize Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” while actively suppressing his own work. The allegations include pay-to-play tactics and the misuse of technology to skew streaming recommendations, according to court filings obtained by The Independent.
The accusations against UMG are as intricate as they are incendiary. Drake alleges that the label paid Spotify to push “Not Like Us” onto users searching for unrelated artists and songs. Furthermore, the filing claims Apple’s virtual assistant Siri was deliberately programmed to direct listeners requesting Drake’s songs to Lamar’s track instead. This alleged manipulation, the petition argues, created a false narrative of overwhelming popularity for the song while undermining Drake’s streaming numbers.
Drake’s legal team argues that UMG’s actions violate several laws, including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and New York’s Deceptive Business Practices and False Advertising Acts. The rapper is calling for the court to compel UMG and Spotify to preserve documents and communications relevant to the case, suggesting broader implications for industry transparency. While UMG has not publicly engaged with these claims, insiders say the label has indicated it would countersue Kendrick Lamar if forced into court.
This legal escalation marks a significant rupture in Drake’s longstanding relationship with UMG, which has overseen his career since its inception via Young Money and Republic Records. Lamar, also tied to UMG through his work with Top Dawg Entertainment and his own venture pgLang, has not publicly responded to the filing. Sources close to Drake emphasize that his frustration is directed at UMG’s alleged practices, not Lamar personally, and suggest that the case could have lasting consequences for lesser-known artists impacted by similar tactics.
While Drake’s accusations shake the foundations of his relationship with his record label, they also raise broader questions about fairness in the music industry. If proven, these allegations could expose vulnerabilities in streaming algorithms and pay-to-play practices, potentially leading to reforms that protect artists and listeners alike. For now, the spotlight remains on UMG and its response to a lawsuit that could redefine the boundaries of corporate influence in the digital music age.
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