In the latest chapter of the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, the Canadian rapper has taken legal action.
Drake is accusing Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify of manipulating the popularity of Lamar’s controversial track Not Like Us.
DRAKE AND KENDRICK LAMAR’S BEEF
The song, which slams Drake with harsh personal accusations, has stoked the flames of an already intense rivalry between the two megastars, according to ABC News.
Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, filed a petition in Manhattan court on Monday. They are seeking legal recourse against UMG for what it calls an illegal “scheme” to boost the song’s numbers.
The petition claims that UMG used bots, payola, and other dubious methods to inflate the song’s success. This also included drastically reducing licensing rates to Spotify.
DRAKE TAKES LEGAL ACTION
The legal move comes as a surprise for several reasons. First, UMG distributes both Drake and Lamar’s music, according to AP News.
But the petition also suggests that UMG used similar tactics with other streaming services, like Apple’s Siri, to push Not Like Us to unsuspecting listeners.
“UMG didn’t rely on chance or ordinary business practices,” the filing states.
“Instead, they launched a campaign to manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves.”
The timing of this lawsuit is particularly noteworthy.
KENDRICK LAMAR’S NEW ALBUM
Lamar’s recent GNX album, which includes the diss track Not Like Us, reignites their bitter feud.
In the past, Lamar has released multiple songs attacking Drake, accusing him of inappropriate relationships with underage women.
Though Drake has denied these allegations, the feud has only intensified, according to The Guardian.
In a response to the legal filing, a UMG spokesperson swiftly denied the claims.
“The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue.
We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns.”
UMG DEFENDS AGAINST THE ALLEGATIONS
UMG’s defence highlights that fans ultimately decide which music they want to listen to, not artificial manipulation.
However, the tension between the two artists is hard to ignore.
Lamar’s track Not Like Ushas been at the centre of the conflict, which hit a new level of personal aggression this year.
Not only does Lamar target Drake’s character, but he also references Drake’s son, Adonis, in the lyrics.
In response, Drake released his own tracks, only to later remove them from his social media platforms.
DRAKE AND KENDRICK LAMAR’S RIVALRY
This brief silence followed an unsettling incident earlier in May, when a man was shot outside of Drake’s Toronto residence.
The rivalry has recently reignited with the surprise drop of Lamar’s new album. The ongoing saga has clearly left its mark on both sides.
SPEAKING ON THE ISSUE
Drake took to a Kick stream with popular streamer xQc to discuss the issue, saying.
“I’m here, full intact, mind, body, and soul, in case you were wondering. You need facts to take me out, fairytales won’t do it.”
He continued, “Nothing fazes me. I’ve worked too hard to be uncomfortable. It takes only facts to fold me, fairytales don’t work.”
These comments were widely interpreted as an allusion to the legal action and an indication that Drake is prepared to take this dispute to the courts.
DRAKE AND KENDRICK LAMAR’S SOUTH AFRICAN FANS
For South African fans, this drama resonates beyond the music.
Drake has enjoyed immense popularity in the country, and his legal battle with Lamar will undoubtedly be closely followed by local listeners.
Both artists have large fan bases in South Africa, where hip-hop has grown into a dominant genre over the past decade.
As the case develops, the stakes are high.
SHAPING THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Drake is not only fighting for his reputation but also challenging the very practices that shape the music industry.
Will this legal action result in changes to how streaming services promote music? Only time will tell.
But one thing is clear: the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar is far from over, and it’s only getting more dramatic.
HOW DOES THE FEUD BETWEEN THESE TWO ARTISTS COMPARE TO OTHER NOTABLE HIP-HOP BEEFS IN HISTORY?
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