.png){kind=small}
UMG Responds to Drake's Lawsuit Alleging Manipulation of Kendrick Lamar Streams
The battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has now escalated to legal proceedings.
Universal Music Group (UMG) has fired back at allegations made by Drake in a lawsuit accusing the music giant of orchestrating an elaborate scheme to inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s track Not Like Us.
Filed on Monday, the lawsuit claims UMG utilized bots, payola, and strategic licensing deals with Spotify to boost Lamar’s song—a track that has become a catalyst in the ongoing feud between the two megastars.
The legal action, initiated by Drake’s Frozen Moments LLC, alleges UMG gave Lamar’s song preferential treatment, including discounted licensing rates on Spotify, to artificially drive streams. The lawsuit further claims this was done to create a false perception of the song's popularity, particularly as it takes aim at Drake with inflammatory accusations.
The lawsuit is interesting due to the fact that both artists’ catalogs are distributed by UMG, which has traditionally benefited from the immense success of both Drake and Lamar. Drake's accusations suggest internal favoritism that, if proven true, could destabilize the relationship between the label and its high-profile artists.
UMG quickly responded to the allegations, denying any wrongdoing. In a statement to Variety, a representative said:
“The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.”
