Drake Lawsuit: Allegations Against UMG and Spotify
In documents filed in the New York Supreme Court on November 25, Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, accuses UMG and Spotify of conspiring to “artificially inflate” the popularity of Not Like Us. The track, a fiery diss directed at Drake, broke streaming records with over 900 million plays on Spotify and topped charts worldwide.
Drake’s attorneys allege that UMG deployed a variety of underhanded tactics, including:
- Using bots to boost streams and deceive consumers.
- Paying influencers to promote Not Like Us across social media.
- Reducing Spotify licensing rates for Lamar’s track to increase its recommendation algorithm visibility.
- Signing pay-to-play deals with radio stations.
In a particularly striking claim, Drake’s legal team alleges UMG paid Apple to misdirect Siri users searching for Drake’s music to play Not Like Us instead.
The Drake-Kendrick Lamar Feud Heats Up
This legal battle marks the latest chapter in the decade-long feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. What began as a lyrical rivalry escalated in 2024 with a series of diss tracks. Lamar’s Not Like Us accused Drake of shocking personal misconduct, while Drake retaliated with his own tracks, such as Family Matters and The Heart Part 6, criticizing Lamar’s integrity and personal life.
Drake’s attorneys argue that UMG’s alleged manipulation of streaming data for Not Like Us financially benefited Lamar and the record label at Drake’s expense. Both artists are tied to UMG—Drake through Republic Records and Lamar via Interscope—and the petition suggests that interlabel politics played a role in the scheme.
UMG and Spotify Respond
Universal Music Group has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “offensive and untrue.” In a statement to Billboard, UMG emphasized its commitment to ethical marketing practices and suggested that fans’ preferences dictate an artist’s success. Spotify, meanwhile, declined to comment on the ongoing legal action.
Drake’s petition does not yet constitute a full lawsuit but seeks to secure evidence under New York’s pre-action discovery laws. The rapper’s legal team alleges that UMG has taken steps to cover up its activities, including firing employees perceived to be loyal to Drake.
Can the Music Industry Choose Favorites?
The allegations against UMG and Spotify highlight broader concerns about the transparency and fairness of streaming platforms. Drake’s claims underscore how the manipulation of streaming metrics can influence not only an artist’s chart performance but also their broader career trajectory.
If proven, these claims could lead to significant repercussions for UMG, Spotify, and the music industry at large, including stricter scrutiny of pay-to-play arrangements and algorithmic favoritism.
The Drake and Kendrick Lamar Beef Continues
As this legal drama unfolds, the rivalry between Drake and Lamar shows no signs of abating. While Lamar’s Not Like Us continues to dominate playlists, Drake’s legal action could force the industry to confront the darker side of its promotional tactics.
For fans, the Drake lawsuit battle between these two icons is more than just entertainment—it’s a revealing glimpse into the power dynamics behind the music we consume. Whether Drake’s accusations hold up in court remains to be seen, but the implications for the future of streaming and music promotion are undeniable.
