In an unexpected plot twist, Drake filed court documents alleging that music group Universal Music Group and streaming service Spotify conspired to artificially inflate Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” through bots and payments “number. Drake’s company, Future Moments, LLC, filed a pre-suit petition with the New York Supreme Court on Monday (November 25), alleging that UMG violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, the New York State Deceptive Commerce Act” and the New York State Deceptive Business Law.
In 2022, Drake signed a deal with UMG reportedly worth $400 million. At the time, the deal with the label covered recording, publishing, merchandise and visual media projects. However, the relationship appears to have hit some rocky ground, with Drake calling CEO Lucian Grainge on the wax figure multiple times, including on last year’s For the Dogs song “Stay Away” Away From Home. Drake still releases music through his own label OVO, which has an exclusive license from UMG’s Republic Records. Kendrick Lamar is also signed to Interscope Records, a subsidiary of UMG.
Here’s a detailed look at Drake’s potential lawsuit against UMG and Spotify.
Allegation:
The pre-action petition alleges that Spotify “engaged in a campaign to manipulate and saturate streaming services and radio” with “Not Like Us” to ensure that the song was sold through bots, pay-to-play agreements and false advertising. way to spread virally. Neither company disclosed the licensing agreement. . The person claims they also received $2,500 and a percentage of the song’s sales. “. “Like Us” when they asked their digital assistant to pull up Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy” album. UMG made payments with independent radio promoters, who forwarded the funds to radio stations and station employees to play “Not Like Us.” Despite hope, UMG fired employees associated with and loyal to Drake. UMG refused to negotiate after Drake informed them of the financial damage the song was causing to his image, instead recommending that he take legal action against Kendrick Lamar. The record label has threatened legal action against Kendrick Lamar if Drake sues them. or bribery” in the form of a reduction in Spotify’s licensing fees.”
This is a pre-litigation petition, filed to gather information for potential litigation. Drake’s company has yet to formally sue the music company.
A spokesperson for Universal Music Group issued the following statement to XXL in response to Drake’s accusations: “The suggestion that Universal Music Group would do anything to harm any of its artists is offensive and untrue,” the statement read. We employ the highest ethical practices. No amount of contrived, nonsensical legal arguments in this pre-litigation filing can obscure the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.
A Spotify spokesperson declined to comment on the allegations. XXL has reached out to Kendrick Lamar’s team and Drake’s team for comment.
