What is the background of the controversy involving UMG and Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”?
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Drake’s Company Takes a Stand: UMG Accused of Inflating Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Success
Background of the Controversy
Recently, the hip-hop community has ignited with allegations against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing them of inflating the success metrics of Kendrick Lamar’s latest track, “Not Like Us.” This controversy has caught the attention of many, including Drake’s company, OVO Sound, which has formally taken a stand against these practices. Understanding the implications of this situation is crucial for fans and industry stakeholders alike.
What are the Allegations?
The core of the controversy revolves around claims that UMG has manipulated streaming numbers and chart positions to suggest that “Not Like Us” has performed better than it actually has. This allegation raises questions about fairness and integrity within the music industry.
Key Points
Drake’s Frozen Moments LLC Accuses Universal Music Group of Manipulating Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Success
Drake’s Frozen Moments LLC has lodged a legal petition against Universal Music Group (UMG) in Manhattan, alleging that the company distorted the success metrics surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”
Legal Action Filed on November 25, 2024
The claims came to light in a 17-page document filed on November 25. According to the submission, UMG released “Not Like Us” under its Interscope Records label on May 4, 2024. Drake’s legal representatives argue that UMG implemented tactics aimed at artificially inflating the song’s visibility across streaming platforms and radio channels.
Allegations of Intentional Market Manipulation
In their filing, attorneys contend that UMG orchestrated a campaign involving “bots” and financial incentives to enhance airplay for “Not Like Us.” This alleged strategy was designed to propel it into an artificial viral status. Notably, they assert that Spotify was given a significant discount—30% off licensing fees—with expectations set for promoting Lamar’s track over other music.
Further complicating matters is testimony from a podcaster who claimed involvement in paid efforts amounting to $2,500 via intermediaries designed to augment streams by utilizing automated methods. The record claims this resulted in approximately 30 million streams within mere days of release and ultimately culminated in Spotify recording over 300 million streams within just five weeks.
Unethical Radio Promotions Cited
The petition also denotes claims involving payola practices where at least one UMG employee reportedly compensated radio stations for unsanctioned airplay of “Not Like Us.” The legal framework highlights how such actions violate the Communications Act established back in 1934.
“UMG seems more interested in maximizing profit than adhering to fair promotional standards,” asserts Drake’s team based on their findings.
In addition, Frozen Moments draws attention to internal measures gradually being taken by UMG; notably firing employees believed sympathetic toward Drake amid increasing scrutiny over these allegations.
Failed Dialogue Attempts with UMG
Despite attempts made by Drake himself seeking resolutions regarding damages associated with what he perceives as detrimental practices by UMG—negotiations never commenced following their advised direction toward discussions with Lamar instead.
The court documents underline how these direct actions may disadvantage competing artists like Drake himself amidst an increasingly charged environment driven by digital metrics.
Seeking Legal Clarification Through Pre-Action Discovery
Identifying all involved parties remains crucial; thus, Frozen Moments has requested pre-action discovery measures prior to launching formal proceedings against relevant defendants. Although they believe substantial grounds exist for claiming civil RICO violations—including wire fraud and deceptive business practices—they emphasize needing additional disclosures from both UMG and Spotify before proceeding formally with litigation plans.
Among other insights drawn from recent data highlighted within this ongoing case include notable streaming numbers; as reported “Not Like Us” amassed around 900 million streams—solidifying itself as the highest-streamed diss track ever recorded on Spotify—and achieving impressive figures such as breaking records with upsurges reaching nearly 96 million plays weekly since its debut release date according to documented evidence submitted alongside complaints posed against both labels involved throughout ongoing disputes initiated through these accusations.
Spotify response requests generated no immediate replies concerning this evolving narrative registered alongside industry peers engaged across various facets enveloping music distribution analytics currently trending throughout digital audience preferences today boosting competitive landscapes inherent amongst mainstream recordings present online right now shaping cultural dialogues frequently perpetuated across social media lore impacting perceptions widely shared as topics surface regularly upon major entertainment news platforms accessible broadly engaging user bases devoted avidly following artist activities dynamically unfolding every season cyclically celebrated annually!
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