Drake Alleges UMG, Spotify Used Bots to Boost Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track
3 min read
Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Drake has stirred the music industry with explosive allegations, claiming Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify engaged in unethical tactics to artificially boost Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us.” In a pre-action petition filed in Manhattan court on November 25, 2024, the Canadian rapper accused UMG of orchestrating a scheme involving bots, payola, and deceptive practices to inflate the song’s streaming numbers.
The contentious filing stems from the high-profile feud between Drake and Lamar, which has seen both artists release diss tracks aimed at one another. Drake’s attorneys allege that UMG sought to manipulate public perception by making “Not Like Us” appear more popular than it genuinely was. This, they claim, was achieved through bot activity, influencer promotions, and reduced licensing rates with Spotify, in exchange for the platform recommending Lamar’s music over unrelated searches.
In an eyebrow-raising accusation, Drake’s legal team suggests UMG even paid Apple to misdirect Siri queries for Drake’s Certified Lover Boy album to Kendrick’s Not Like Us. While Apple has not been formally accused of wrongdoing, this claim adds another layer of intrigue to an already dramatic dispute.
Drake has initiated legal action against Universal Music Group and Spotify, alleging the two companies used bots and false advertisements to artificially inflate the numbers of Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' pic.twitter.com/WvBCmRtiyu
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) November 25, 2024
UMG Denies Allegations
Universal Music Group swiftly denied the allegations, calling them “offensive and untrue.” In a statement, UMG reiterated its commitment to ethical marketing practices, emphasizing that music success is determined by fans’ choices. Spotify declined to comment on the accusations.
Despite UMG’s rebuttal, Drake’s attorneys argue the label has actively concealed its actions, even firing employees loyal to Drake. They also claim UMG pointed fingers at Lamar, suggesting Drake should sue the artist directly.
Charlamagne tha God reacts to Drake accusing UMG & Spotify of inflating Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ song:
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) November 26, 2024
“Because you lost a rap battle? Dot said squabble up not lawyer up” pic.twitter.com/TDkLR5uXYi
Drake’s legal filing delves into the corporate motivations behind the alleged manipulation. His team argues that Interscope, a division under UMG tied to Kendrick Lamar, had financial incentives to maximize the song’s success. Executives at Interscope allegedly benefited from “Not Like Us” revitalizing Lamar’s back catalog, further driving the label’s aggressive promotional push.
“Not Like Us” was one of the biggest hits of 2024, shattering streaming records and earning five Grammy nominations. However, rumors of bot activity and payola have plagued its meteoric rise. If proven true, Drake’s allegations could have far-reaching implications for the music industry, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of promotional tactics and streaming data integrity.
For now, the case remains in its preliminary stages, with Drake’s pre-action petition seeking further information before an official lawsuit is filed. The feud between Drake and Lamar, once confined to diss tracks, has now escalated into a legal and ethical battle that could reshape the streaming landscape.
Drake after hearing Not Like Us: pic.twitter.com/YjwP5FP4HG
— Perfectly Imperfect 🤷🏻 (@abhicc225) November 25, 2024
Drake after listening to Not Like Us: pic.twitter.com/oe3r3HwMsP
— Perfectly Imperfect 🤷🏻 (@abhicc225) November 25, 2024
It been 7 months, it’s ridiculous to file a lawsuit knowing he dissed him 😭
— Loner Skii ⛷️ (@LonerSkii) November 25, 2024
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
