Late last month, Drake initiated legal proceedings against Universal Music Group (UMG) concerning Kendrick Lamar’s prominent diss track “Not Like Us.”
In a preliminary petition, he alleges that UMG and Spotify employed bots, engaged in payola, and utilized other methods to artificially enhance the song’s popularity. Furthermore, he asserts that UMG has committed defamation by failing to prevent the release of the track in which Kendrick labels him a sexual predator.
“UMG did not rely on chance, or even ordinary business practices,” the petition alleges. “It instead launched a campaign to manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves.”
Currently, a hearing has been set for December 20, as reported by Kurrco.
The specific developments in this case remain uncertain; however, social media users are actively formulating their hypotheses.
Reactions to Drake’s petition have been varied since the announcement surfaced online. Some believe that Drake may succeed in uncovering purported corruption within the music industry, while others perceive this move as indicative of his envy towards Kendrick’s achievements.
During a recent episode of his Apple Music show, for example, Ebro shared why he thinks Drake will end up taking a loss. “I’ve worked in the radio business and the media for 30 years,” he said. “There’s allegations of payola… I’ve been investigated, people I’ve worked with been investigated and nothing has ever come to fruition.” Funkmaster Flex, on the other hand, thinks Drake is in the right.
“DRAKE IS 100% RIGHT!” he wrote in part on X. “NATIONAL PLAY! (PER SONG) DRAKE DONT $ FOR PLAY! POP / CHR RADIO: $350k URBAN RADIO: $250K MIXSHOW: $100K LOCAL MIXSHOW DIRECTOR: $40k LOCAL DJ: $3K-5K PER SONG! (DJS ON THE RADIO 5 DAYS A WEEK) THIS IS WHY INDEPENDENT ARTIST DONT RISE TO THE TOP! ALL YOU ARTIST KNOW I AINT NEVER TAKE A DIME FROM YOU, YOUR MANAGER OR YOUR LABELS!”
