Drake has filed a petition against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify. He accuses them of inflating Kendrick Lamar’s song ‘Not Like Us,’ which contains diss lyrics aimed at Drake.

The song sparked a legal battle, shocking the music industry. Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, claims UMG used illegal tactics like bots and payola.

In a November 25 filing, Drake alleges UMG manipulated streaming services and violated federal laws, including RICO. This petition escalates the feud between Drake and Lamar into business territory.

Lamar has also been associated with UMG throughout his career, making this lawsuit even more complex.

In the legal filing, Drake’s team outlines how UMG allegedly worked with Spotify to inflate the song’s reach.

They accuse UMG of offering Spotify reduced licensing rates to promote the song to users, regardless of their preferences. They also claim UMG paid influencers and used bots to inflate the track’s numbers.

A controversial claim involves UMG allegedly paying Apple to have Siri misdirect users searching for Drake’s ‘Certified Lover Boy’ to Lamar’s song. The lawsuit suggests this was part of a plan to damage Drake’s reputation, especially because of the track’s lyric, ‘certified paedophile,’ referencing Drake.

UMG has denied the allegations, asserting that their marketing practices are ethical and transparent.

The company’s spokesperson called the claims ‘offensive and untrue,’ stressing that music popularity is determined by fans, not artificial tactics. Spotify declined to comment.

Drake’s petition also highlights internal dynamics at UMG. His attorneys suggest that financial incentives for executives at Interscope, UMG’s division, played a role in promoting Lamar’s track. The filing claims that boosting the song would help Interscope’s profits by revitalizing Lamar’s catalogue and benefiting executives financially.

Drake has reportedly attempted to resolve the matter amicably with UMG before resorting to litigation. However, he claims that UMG has refused to engage in meaningful discussions and even dismissed staff loyal to him.

UMG allegedly shifted the blame to Lamar, suggesting that Drake should sue him instead of the label.

As the case progresses, the music industry will closely monitor the impact of this legal clash between a hip-hop giant and corporate giants.