The ongoing tension between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, two of the biggest names in hip-hop, is taking a legal turn that could shake the entertainment industry. Drake’s legal team has intensified their claims against Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing them of engaging in unethical practices to boost the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s music.
On December 20, Spotify publicly denied allegations that they had artificially inflated the streaming numbers of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” using bots and engaging in a payola scheme with UMG. These accusations, brought forward by Drake’s legal team, have ignited a fierce debate over the integrity of streaming platforms.
In a statement to USA Today, a representative from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, the law firm representing Drake, reaffirmed their commitment to uncovering what they describe as manipulative practices. “It is not surprising that Spotify is trying to distance themselves from UMG’s allegedly manipulative practices to artificially inflate streaming numbers on behalf of one of its other artists,” the statement read. “If Spotify and UMG have nothing to hide, they should be perfectly fine complying with this basic discovery request.”
Spotify has dismissed the claims as “false” and “speculative” and has requested that the legal inquiry be thrown out. However, Drake’s team appears undeterred, signaling their readiness to pursue the matter in court to substantiate their accusations.
UMG has also denied any wrongdoing. “The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue,” said a representative for the label. “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.”
As the legal battle unfolds, the entertainment industry is watching closely. The outcome could set a precedent for how streaming data and promotional practices are scrutinized in the future.
