Drake Accuses UMG and Spotify of Manipulating Streams for Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”
In a legal twist that has added fuel to one of hip-hop’s most intense rivalries, Drake has filed a pre-action petition in a Manhattan court accusing Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify of engaging in a scheme to artificially inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us.” The allegations come months after a public feud between the two artists played out through diss tracks, and now, Drake’s legal team is taking the dispute into the courtroom.
 |
| Drake performs onstage during "Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration Concert" at State Farm Arena on December 9, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. Prince Williams/Wireimage |
The Accusations: A Scheme to Manipulate Success
Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, claims that UMG orchestrated an elaborate campaign to boost the performance of Lamar’s track using unethical and illegal methods. The petition alleges that UMG employed bots, paid influencers, and engaged in deceptive practices to ensure “Not Like Us” dominated airwaves and streaming platforms.
Among the more explosive claims is that UMG reduced licensing rates for Spotify in exchange for the platform recommending Lamar’s song to users searching for unrelated music. The petition also accuses UMG of using Apple’s Siri to misdirect users who asked for Drake’s album Certified Lover Boy, instead playing Lamar’s track containing the diss lyric, “certified pedophile,” a jab at Drake.
UMG and Spotify Deny Wrongdoing
UMG has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “offensive and untrue.” In a statement to Billboard, a spokesperson said, “We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived legal arguments can change the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.”
Spotify has declined to comment on the matter, and Apple has not responded to claims about its involvement in the alleged scheme.
RICO Allegations and Corporate Dynamics
Drake’s legal filing accuses UMG of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)—a statute traditionally used to target organized crime—alongside claims of deceptive business practices and false advertising under New York state law.
His attorneys argue that UMG’s actions were partly motivated by internal competition within the label, particularly at Interscope Records, where executives are incentivized to prioritize their own division’s success over UMG’s overall performance. By boosting Lamar’s song, the filing alleges, Interscope aimed to revitalize the artist’s back catalog and maximize its financial gains.
A Rift Between Drake and UMG
Drake’s accusations represent a significant fracture in his long-standing relationship with UMG. The rapper has been tied to the label throughout his career, first under Lil Wayne’s Young Money imprint and later as a direct signee of Republic Records.
Drake claims that he tried to address the matter privately, but UMG refused to take accountability. Instead, the label allegedly shifted blame onto Lamar, even suggesting that Drake sue the fellow rapper rather than the company. The filing also accuses UMG of retaliating by dismissing employees seen as loyal to Drake.
High Stakes for Hip-Hop and Music Industry Ethics
This legal battle is a watershed moment in the music industry, bringing issues of streaming manipulation, corporate ethics, and inter-artist rivalries into sharp focus. If proven, Drake’s allegations could have far-reaching consequences for the credibility of digital music platforms and the business practices of major record labels.
What’s Next?
The petition, a precursor to a formal lawsuit, seeks additional information before launching a full legal case. For now, the industry awaits further developments in what promises to be a landmark legal dispute involving two of the most influential artists of their generation.
As the feud between Drake and Lamar escalates, fans and insiders alike are left questioning the true dynamics of success in today’s music landscape: is it talent, marketing, or manipulation driving the charts?
