- Drake claims UMG and Spotify used bots and pay-to-play tactics to inflate Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” streams.
- Allegations include Spotify promoting the song unfairly and offering discounted licensing rates to UMG.
- UMG denies accusations, calling them “offensive and untrue.”
Drake has filed a legal petition accusing Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify of unfairly promoting Kendrick Lamar’s hit song Not Like Us. The filing alleges that UMG used bots and pay-to-play schemes to artificially boost the song’s streaming numbers and chart performance. Drake claims Spotify also promoted the track to users searching for unrelated music, violating transparency with listeners.
The petition highlights a broader issue in the music industry—artificially inflating streaming numbers through unethical practices. While smaller artists have been penalized for similar tactics, Drake’s allegations point to a major label and platform potentially engaging in such activities.
UMG strongly denies these claims, calling them baseless and defending its ethical marketing practices. Drake’s legal team, however, is seeking access to UMG and Spotify’s communications about the promotion of Not Like Us. This feud adds tension to the rivalry between the two rap icons, as Kendrick Lamar’s track continues to dominate the charts.
