Spotify has officially responded to allegations made by Canadian rapper Drake regarding unfair practices in the music streaming industry. The dispute centres around claims that Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG) collaborated to boost Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” at the expense of Drake’s music.
Background of the Dispute
The legal drama began when Drake, through his company Frozen Moments LLC, filed a petition in November 2024 accusing UMG and Spotify of manipulating streaming metrics to favour Lamar’s track. The allegations included claims that UMG charged Spotify lower licensing rates in exchange for promoting “Not Like Us” and that bots were used to artificially inflate the song’s streaming numbers. Drake’s petition also referenced radio payola, suggesting that UMG engaged in unethical practices to ensure the song received preferential treatment.
Spotify’s Strong Denial
In response to these allegations, Spotify filed opposition papers on December 20, 2024, vehemently denying any wrongdoing. David Kaefer, Spotify’s Vice President and Head of Music and Audiobooks, stated that there has never been any arrangement between UMG and Spotify concerning reduced licensing rates for “Not Like Us.” He emphasised that the claims made in Drake’s petition are unfounded and legally deficient.
Kaefer further addressed the accusation regarding the use of bots, asserting that Spotify found no evidence to support this claim. He noted that the platform invests significantly in measures to combat artificial streaming and maintains strict protocols to ensure the integrity of its charts.
Legal Implications
Spotify’s legal team characterised Drake’s petition as an attempt to bypass standard judicial processes by seeking pre-action discovery—a tactic they argue is inappropriate given the lack of substantial evidence. They described Drake’s allegations as speculative and lacking any factual basis, asserting that his claims do not warrant legal action.
The streaming service also criticised the notion that promoting “Not Like Us” would result in diminished popularity for Drake’s music. In fact, they pointed out that Drake remained one of the most popular artists on their platform throughout 2024.
Industry Reactions
The ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has generated considerable attention within the music industry, raising questions about fairness and transparency in streaming practices. While some fans support Drake’s stance, others view his legal actions as an overreaction to competitive dynamics in the music business.
UMG has also responded to the situation, defending its practices and rejecting any implication that it would undermine its artists. The label has reiterated its commitment to ethical marketing and promotional strategies.
By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
