Drake Accuses Spotify, UMG of Artificially Inflating Streams of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”

In a bombshell court filing, Aubrey “Drake” Graham has accused Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG) of artificially inflating the streaming numbers of Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” to boost its chart performance.

What Happened? The Key Details You Need to Know

On June 17, 2023, Drake filed a complaint alleging that Spotify and UMG collaborated to manipulate the streaming data of “Not Like Us.” The filing claims that the song was added to promotional playlists and included in algorithmic recommendations at an unusually high rate, resulting in millions of fraudulent streams.

Drake’s legal team presented evidence from music industry experts showing that the average playtime of “Not Like Us” was significantly lower than other popular songs in its genre, suggesting that many streams were generated through artificial means.

Why Does This Matter? The Bigger Picture

The allegations against Spotify and UMG raise serious concerns about the integrity of streaming platforms and the music industry as a whole. If proven true, it would undermine the trust artists and consumers have in these companies.

Additionally, the inflated streaming numbers could have had a significant impact on the Billboard charts, potentially depriving other artists of their rightful recognition and fair share of revenue.

Voices from the Scene – What Are People Saying?

Spotify and UMG have denied the allegations, stating that they follow industry best practices and have taken steps to prevent chart manipulation.

“We strongly deny these allegations and will vigorously defend ourselves in court,” said a Spotify spokesperson.

UMG released a statement saying, “We have always been committed to fair play in the music industry and will fully cooperate with any official inquiries into these matters.”

What’s Next? Future Implications and Takeaways

The lawsuit is still in its early stages, and the outcome remains to be seen. However, the allegations have sent shockwaves through the music industry and raised questions about the future of streaming platforms.

It is crucial that the truth emerges and that responsible parties are held accountable to maintain the integrity of the music industry and protect the rights of artists and consumers.