Simran Joshi
Drake has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the music giant of conspiring with companies like Apple, Spotify, and iHeart to artificially boost the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us.” The rapper’s legal team alleges that UMG manipulated streaming numbers and paid influencers to promote the track, which allegedly included harmful lyrics about Drake. DJ Akademiks compared the situation to the Taylor Swift v. Scooter Braun and Big Machine Records saga, but doubted whether Drake would have the same level of support as Swift in the public.
Drake’s Legal Battle Against UMG: A Comparison to Taylor Swift’s Feud with Scooter Braun
DJ Akademiks recently compared Drake’s case with Universal Music Group with Taylor Swift’s war with Scooter Braun. Akademiks said that Drake has gone through the same stuff but isn’t going to come out on top.
The point he made was about how Taylor Swift has more massive support and is in contact with her fans.
Akademiks said that with Swift’s openness, she won people over, thus making the label cave in. However, he stated that the same might not work to Drake’s advantage.
With Akademiks, Drake fails to connect with fans is what may dent his chance at winning. He went on to add that due to the nature of Drake’s case being public, he may change it.
Despite this, Akademiks said that Drake would never have the same outcome like Swift. His comments suggested that fans play a bigger role in determining legal wins in the music industry.
Drake Allegations Against UMG Regarding Pay-to-Play and Streaming Numbers Manipulation
Drake’s recent filings regarding Universal Music Group have leveled accusations of pay-to-play and manipulation of streaming numbers for Kendrick Lamar’s song.
His lawyers claimed that UMG used several tactics to artificially inflate the song’s success and profitability. For instance, they alleged that UMG charged Spotify less for licensing fees to ensure widespread promotion of the song.
His lawyers also accused UMG of siphoning money to iHeart to further increase the song’s play count. Drake’s team further alleged that UMG used social media influencers to aggressively promote Kendrick Lamar’s track.
One of the most contentious allegations is that Apple’s Siri has been configured to steer listeners to stream the song. The attorneys for Drake further alleged that Siri would play “Not Like Us” whenever people sought his album.
The lawsuit further alleges UMG fails to consider damaging lyrics in the song, such as lying accusations against Drake. UMG has denied all the allegations and termed them offensive and false, stating their practices are ethical.
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