In an unexpected twist in the high-profile conflict between the two rappers, Drake has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, accusing them of an illegal scheme that he claims artificially boosted the song's popularity. by Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us".
In the lawsuit filed Monday (November 25) in a Manhattan court, Drake's company, Frozen Moments LLC, alleges that UMG used unfair methods, such as using worlds, secret payments and other tactics to manipulated music streaming platforms and radio waves.
"'UMG' did not rely on chance or ordinary business practices," the rapper's lawyers wrote. "Instead, a campaign was launched to manipulate and fill music platforms and radio stations with this song."
In his lawsuit, Drake accuses UMG of violating the RICO Act, a federal statute often used in criminal cases against organized crime. It also accuses the company of deceptive practices and false advertising under the law.
This development represents a strong rift between Drake and UMG, with whom he has been associated throughout his career. In a statement to Billboard, a spokesperson for UMG categorically denied the accusation, calling it untrue and offensive: "The suggestion that UMG would do anything to harm one of its artists is untrue and offensive. The fans are the ones who choose the music they want to hear.”
In his lawsuit, Drake alleges that UMG also manipulated Spotify's algorithms to promote Lamar's song, lowering licensing fees in exchange for hidden ads for the song. He also accuses UMG of using worlds and paying influencers to artificially boost the song's popularity.
Another claim is that UMG paid Apple to have Siri "misdirect users" to Lamar's song. When users searched for Drake's album, "Certified Lover Boy," Siri played "Not Like Us."
Why would UMG support Lamar's song?
According to Drake's lawyers, this is related to the internal dynamics of the company, where the executives of "Interscope" have more financial benefits from his success.
Drake says UMG has tried to cover up its wrongdoing by firing employees who were considered loyal to him.
Such a legal clash, which follows a bitter artistic battle between the two rappers, marks a dramatic new moment in the world of hip-hop, highlighting the deep tensions that can exist behind the scenes of the music industry.
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