Drake's allegations of streaming manipulation have sparked a potential legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" track. The dispute centers around claims of artificial inflation of streaming numbers and questionable promotional practices.

Photo Credit: Drake by GabboT / CC by 2.0

Through his company Frozen Moments LLC, Drake filed a petition in New York Court alleging that UMG orchestrated a campaign to manipulate streaming numbers for "Not Like Us." The filing claims UMG used bots and pay-to-play agreements while leveraging its relationship with Spotify to secure preferential treatment for the track.

Key allegations include:

• UMG manipulated streaming services to make the song go viral
• Special licensing rates were offered to Spotify
• Employees loyal to Drake were allegedly terminated to conceal these activities
• The track has garnered over 900 million Spotify plays

UMG strongly denies these claims, stating they "employ the highest ethical practices" and calling the allegations "offensive and untrue." The company maintains that fan choice, not manipulation, drives streaming numbers.

Spotify has not directly addressed these allegations but has previously stated it actively works to prevent artificial streaming through both automated and manual review processes.

"Not Like Us," released in May, has been considered a pivotal track in the ongoing Drake-Kendrick feud, featuring pointed lyrics directly targeting Drake. The legal proceedings could mark a significant escalation in this high-profile hip-hop rivalry.

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