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Spotify is officially addressing Drake’s claims that the platform and Universal Music Group (UMG) conspired to artificially inflate the performance of Kendrick Lamar’s diss song “Not Like Us,” which was targeted at the Canadian rapper. I replied.
On December 20, the streaming giant filed a challenge to Drake’s legal claims, denying the accusations and providing a detailed rebuttal. Drake previously claimed that Spotify and UMG used covert tactics to boost the song’s popularity, describing it as a “scheme” to favor Lamar over other artists.
A Spotify spokesperson categorically refuted this claim in a statement, saying:
“Spotify has no financial incentive for users to stream ‘Not Like Us’ over Drake’s song. Only Marquee, one of Spotify for Artists’ tools, will be able to promote the song in France. This song was purchased for 500 euros on behalf of Marquee is a visual advertisement that is published to users as a sponsored recommendation.
The spokesperson further clarified:
“Contrary to the allegations in the petition, UMG and Spotify affirmatively (in exchange for promoting Not Like Us) receive a license fee that is 30 percent lower than the regular license fee for Not Like Us. We have never made any arrangements to charge you.’)’, ‘For users searching for other songs or artists.’ ”
Spotify’s robust defense follows a similar response from UMG, which also rejected Drake’s claims. The label, which has been home to Drake throughout his career, dismissed the accusations as baseless and inflammatory.
UMG said in a previously released statement:
“Any suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. This pre-litigation filing No matter how contrived and absurd the legal arguments may be, we can’t hide the fact that fans choose the music they want to listen to.”
Drake’s pre-litigation filing accuses Spotify and UMG of launching a concerted effort to increase awareness and streaming of diss tracks through tactics such as preferential endorsements and lower licensing fees. did. The move sparked widespread debate in the music industry, especially considering Drake’s long-standing relationship with UMG.
The controversy continues to unfold as both Spotify and UMG continue to steadfastly deny the charges, while Drake’s camp has yet to respond to the latest charges. For one of the industry’s biggest players, the outcome of the dispute could have far-reaching implications for artists, labels, streaming platforms and more.
