Drake Alleges Streaming Manipulation by UMG to Promote Kendrick Lamar’s "Not Like Us"

In a dramatic escalation of his feud with Kendrick Lamar, Drake has taken legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the label of manipulating Spotify streams to artificially boost Lamar’s controversial diss track, Not Like Us.

The legal filing, made Monday in a Manhattan court and first reported by Billboard, comes as a surprise since both artists’ music is distributed by UMG. Drake’s legal entity, Frozen Moments LLC, alleges that UMG orchestrated an unlawful “scheme” involving bots, pay-for-play tactics, and other manipulative practices to inflate the track’s numbers. The diss track, which includes incendiary claims about Drake’s personal life, has reignited tensions between the two rappers.

According to court documents, Drake’s team claims UMG “engaged in conduct designed to artificially enhance the popularity of Not Like Us by offering it to Spotify at significantly reduced licensing rates and employing bots to create the illusion of greater demand.”

In a statement to the public, a UMG spokesperson dismissed the claims, saying:
“The notion that UMG would undermine its own artists is both offensive and entirely false. Our marketing and promotional efforts adhere to the highest ethical standards. These baseless allegations are nothing more than contrived legal theatrics.”

The petition also alleges that UMG used similar tactics with other streaming platforms, claiming the label paid Apple to have Siri redirect users to Not Like Us. The filing states:
“UMG didn’t rely on chance or standard business practices; instead, it launched a calculated effort to saturate streaming platforms and airwaves with manipulated metrics.”

Drake’s attorneys argue that UMG’s actions violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, typically used in cases against organized crime. They also accuse UMG of deceptive business practices and false advertising under New York law.

This filing is a “pre-action” petition, a legal step in New York designed to gather evidence before initiating a full lawsuit.

The feud between Drake and Lamar has reached new heights in recent months. Lamar’s diss tracks have included explosive claims about Drake’s personal relationships, his son Adonis, and even his mother. While Drake initially responded with his own tracks, he later pulled them from social media and kept a low profile following a shooting near his Toronto home earlier this year.

The conflict reignited with the release of Lamar’s surprise album GNX on Friday, including Not Like Us. On Sunday night, Drake appeared on a live stream with popular streamer xQc, subtly addressing the situation.

“I’m here, mind, body, and soul. If you want to take me out, you need facts — fairytales won’t do it,” he said. Later, he reiterated, “Nothing fazes me. I’ve worked too hard to be uncomfortable.”

With tensions continuing to rise, the legal battle could add a new chapter to one of hip-hop’s most talked-about rivalries. As both sides dig in, fans and industry insiders alike are bracing for what could be a highly publicized and contentious court case.