Drake has accused Spotify and Universal Music of manipulation for the sake of promoting a Kendrick Lamar track
By ForGeeks Canadian rapper Drake (real name Aubrey Graham) alleges that Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify conspired to artificially boost the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us”. In a petition filed with the New York State Supreme Court, Drake said the companies used questionable promotional methods, including bots and paid agreements.
Drake’s petition alleges that the companies used questionable promotional methods, including bots and paid agreements.
Complaints of manipulation and underbidding
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The petition alleges that Universal Music, which represents both Drake himself and Lamar, and Spotify launched an aggressive campaign to promote “Not Like Us”. Drake calls it an attempt to “manipulate streaming services and radio airplay to make the song go viral.”
Drake calls it an attempt to “manipulate the streaming services and radio airplay to make the song go viral.”
His team accuses UMG of giving Spotify discounted licenses for Lamar’s track – 30% below normal rates. This was allegedly done in exchange for the platform actively recommending the song to users who searched for unrelated artists and tracks.
His team accuses UMG of providing Spotify with lower licenses for Lamar’s track – 30% below normal rates.
Universal Music’s response
UMG has categorically denied the allegations. Label spokesman James Murtagh-Hopkins said:
“Any suggestion that UMG might undermine the interests of its artists is offensive and implausible. We use only the most ethical methods in our marketing and advertising campaigns. Fans choose the music they want to listen to.”
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Spotify has so far refrained from commenting.
Artificial listening and other allegations
The situation raises questions about the practice of using artificial methods to rack up auditions. Spotify has already warned artists against “artificial” streaming. However, Drake claims that in this case, those methods were used as part of a major campaign organized by UMG.
Drake argues that in this case, the methods were used as part of a major campaign organized by UMG.
Not a lawsuit, but a request for information
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Not a lawsuit at this point, but a petition in which Frozen Moments LLC (Drake’s company) is demanding documents and correspondence related to “Not Like Us” from UMG and Spotify.
It’s not yet known whether the case will develop into a full-blown lawsuit. However, the situation has already resonated with the music industry, once again raising questions about the transparency of labels and streaming platforms.
