Drake is reportedly accusing Universal Music Group and Spotify of artificially inflating Kendrick Lamar's “Not Like Us” numbers using bots and payola.
Drake Files Pre-Acton Petition in Court
On Monday (November 25), Drake's company Future Moments LLC filed a lawsuit in New York Supreme Court, Bulletin board exhibitions. The filing accuses UMG and Spotify of conspiring to inflate totals on K-Dot's top diss song “Not Like Us.”
“UMG did not rely on chance or even ordinary business practices,” the filing states. “Instead it launched a campaign to manipulate and saturate streaming services and the airwaves.”
Drake's legal team accuses UMG and Spotify of violating the Corrupt Organizations and Influence Act by the extortionist and using deceptive business practices and false advertising with bots and payola.
“UMG's plans … were motivated, at least in part, by Interscope executives' desire to maximize their own profits,” Drake's lawyers insist. “Interscope executives were motivated to maximize Interscope's financial success through the promotion of 'Not Like Us' and its revitalizing impact on the artist's back catalog.”
The petitioner also accuses NFR Podcast of taking money to promote the song and video without disclosing payment. The pre-action request is a precautionary move to gather information, and Drake has yet to file a formal lawsuit.
“Not Like Us” was one of the biggest hip-hop songs of 2024 and broke several streaming records along the way to top the Billboard Hot 100 multiple times. Following the song's release, there was speculation online that bots were being used to promote Kendrick and spread negativity about The Boy.
Kendrick's hit single earned five Grammy Award nominations, including Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Record of the Year and Best Music Video.
XXL has reached out to Drake's team, Kendrick Lamar's team, Spotify and UMG for comment.
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