Drake Takes UMG and Spotify to Court Over Kendrick Lamar's Song Boost

Drake has taken legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, claiming they used shady tactics to artificially pump up the popularity of Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us. " Drake's company, Frozen Moments LLC, filed a lawsuit in Manhattan court on Monday (Nov. 25), accusing UMG of a scheme involving bots, payola, and other methods. The lawsuit alleges that UMG violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and committed deceptive business practices and false advertising under New York state law. The legal battle is a surprising turn in the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Both artists have traded diss tracks in the past, but this is the first time their beef has spilled into the courtroom. The lawsuit also marks a significant rift between Drake and UMG, where Drake has spent his entire career. Kendrick Lamar has also been associated with UMG throughout his career, first through the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) imprint and more recently through his own company, pgLang. The court filings reveal that UMG allegedly used various methods to boost the song's popularity. These methods include charging Spotify reduced licensing rates in exchange for promoting the song, paying influencers to boost it on social media, and using bots to artificially inflate the song's numbers. Drake's lawyers argue that UMG's actions were driven by internal corporate dynamics and the desire of Interscope executives to maximize their profits. Drake claims he tried to resolve the issue with UMG before taking legal action, but the music giant refused to take responsibility. Instead, UMG pointed the finger at Kendrick Lamar and suggested Drake should sue his rival. The lawsuit is a developing story, and more details may emerge as the case progresses.