Drake is making headlines after leveling critical accusations towards Common Music Group (UMG) and Spotify. The Toronto artist, via his firm Frozen Moments LLC, claims the 2 business powerhouses engaged in unethical techniques to spice up Kendrick Lamar’s diss monitor, “Not Like Us,” to the highest of the charts.
The “Not Like Us” monitor, which dropped on Could 4, rapidly turned a viral hit, topping the Billboard Sizzling 100 and receiving important acclaim. Nonetheless, Drake claims that the tune’s success wasn’t natural however a results of bots, payola, and different questionable strategies allegedly orchestrated by UMG. The accusations are specified by a authorized submitting made earlier this week in a Manhattan courtroom, as reported by Billboard.
What Is Going On Between Drake and UMG?
Drake’s submitting will not be a proper lawsuit however a pre-action petition, a authorized step typically used to assemble proof earlier than doubtlessly pursuing additional motion. Based on Drake’s authorized workforce, UMG allegedly launched an “unlawful scheme” to advertise Kendrick Lamar’s diss monitor by manipulating streaming numbers and securing radio play via unethical means.
“UMG didn’t depend on likelihood or regular enterprise practices,” Drake’s attorneys argue. “As an alternative, they orchestrated a marketing campaign to dominate the streaming platforms and airwaves, violating each the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and legal guidelines towards misleading enterprise practices and false promoting.”
The Diss Monitor on the Heart of the Feud
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is on the coronary heart of the controversy. The monitor consists of harsh accusations towards Drake, referencing allegations of misconduct. Whereas the tune struck a chord with followers and critics alike, Drake has overtly dismissed its influence. Throughout a livestream with common streamer xQc, he addressed the monitor, saying, “I’m right here, as you may see, totally intact. Thoughts, physique, and soul. You want information to take me out—fairy tales gained’t do it.”
Drake’s authorized filings, nonetheless, recommend he takes the diss monitor’s allegations severely. He claims UMG not solely promoted the tune but in addition stood to revenue from the hurt it prompted to his fame.
The finale of Kendrick Lamar ” The Pop Out” live performance” !! ?? pic.twitter.com/6BrzmCT1qp
— Dilemaradio Hip-Hop Music (@DilemaRadio) June 21, 2024
A Second Submitting Towards UMG
Later the identical day, Drake filed a second pre-action petition, this time in Texas. The brand new submitting accuses UMG of defamation, arguing that the corporate might have edited or refused to distribute “Not Like Us” however selected to not.
“UMG designed, financed, and executed a plan to show ‘Not Like Us’ right into a viral mega-hit,” Drake’s attorneys declare. “Their intent was to make use of the spectacle of hurt to Drake to drive client hysteria and big revenues.”
Drake additionally alleges UMG paid iHeartRadio as a part of a pay-to-play scheme, securing intensive radio promotion for the tune. Notably, Kendrick Lamar himself will not be named in both of the filings and isn’t immediately accused of wrongdoing.
Rapsody speaks pic.twitter.com/7NX9OxO3yb
— kendrick Lyrics (@WordFromKdot) November 26, 2024
UMG Responds to Drake’s Claims
UMG has denied Drake’s allegations, calling them “offensive and unfaithful.” In a press release launched Monday night time, the corporate mentioned:
“The suggestion that UMG would do something to undermine any of its artists is offensive and unfaithful. We make use of the very best moral practices in our advertising and promotional campaigns. No quantity of contrived and absurd authorized arguments on this pre-action submission can masks the truth that followers select the music they need to hear.”
What’s Subsequent within the Drake vs. UMG Drama?
As of now, Drake’s filings are solely the start. Whether or not these pre-action petitions will escalate into formal lawsuits stays to be seen. The music business is watching intently, as this case might have main implications for the way streaming platforms and labels promote songs.
In the meantime, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” continues to dominate charts and is within the operating for a number of Grammy Awards. With Drake refusing to again down and UMG standing agency, this battle is way from over.
For followers, this drama is greater than only a feud—it’s a glimpse into the high-stakes world of the music business. Keep tuned as we hold you up to date on what’s going on with Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and UMG.
