Drake has taken legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging the label conspired to amplify the success of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, Not Like Us.
In a lawsuit filed by Drake’s Frozen Moments LLC, the rapper accuses UMG of engaging in questionable tactics like using bots, payola, and reduced licensing rates with Spotify to promote the track. This bold move has sparked significant buzz, especially since UMG represents both Drake and Kendrick.
Not Like Us became a hot topic during Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s ongoing feud, particularly because of its controversial lyrics. Kendrick went as far as accusing Drake of pedophilia in the track—a claim that escalated their rivalry to a new level. Now, Drake alleges UMG not only tolerated the diss track but actively worked to increase its reach and popularity.
Drake’s camp asserts that UMG used bots to inflate streaming numbers and agreed to lower licensing fees with Spotify, creating an unfair playing field and giving Kendrick’s track an artificial boost.
UMG has firmly denied the allegations, labelling them as baseless and offensive. In a statement to Variety, the company defended its practices and emphasised its commitment to ethical promotion.
“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,” the statement read.
Drake and Kendrick Lamar have long been two of the most influential names in hip-hop, and their rivalry has kept fans and critics buzzing for years. This latest development has only intensified the drama, with fans taking sides online. Some support Drake’s claims, suggesting that industry politics play a bigger role in music success than many realize. Others defend Kendrick, arguing that his track’s popularity is a result of its raw energy and lyrical boldness.
It remains to be seen how this lawsuit will unfold, but one thing is certain: the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar shows no signs of cooling down. With both artists at the top of their game, this legal battle could have significant repercussions for their careers—and the industry at large.
