This latest legal maneuver follows an earlier filing in New York, where Drake accused the record label of manipulating Spotify play rates to enhance the song's visibility. Universal has dismissed Drake's allegations as baseless, asserting their adherence to ethical marketing practices and emphasizing that the music's popularity is driven by fan choice.
Drake’s recent legal documents, that consist of a "pre-action petition," aim to ensure the preservation of evidence as he prepares for future litigation. Filed in Texas, they also mention radio conglomerate iHeartRadio, which allegedly played "Not Like Us" billions of times since its debut. Drake’s lawyers predict potential illicit payments from Universal to iHeart as part of a pay-for-play scheme to boost the track’s airplay.
While the rapper has not yet confirmed these claims, he argues that the payments—if they exist—would likely be directed toward iHeartRadio given its dominance in the audio industry. Universal's marketing tactics are further criticized, with Drake asserting that the label used automated systems to inflate streaming figures and engaged online influencers for promotion, which have all been categorically denied by the company.
The root of this legal strife stems from vehement lyrics in "Not Like Us," which Drake claims falsely depict him as a sexual predator. The track debuted at number one and earned four Grammy nominations, serving as a significant element in the feud that has characterized Drake and Lamar's relationship over the past decade. In response, Drake released "The Heart Part 6," a track in which he refuted the allegations and suggested that he misled Lamar with false information, though he later removed the song from his social media.
Despite releasing music through his own label, OVO Music, Drake collaborates with Universal's Republic label for distribution. Similarly, Lamar's records are released through Interscope, a Universal imprint, indicating a complex relationship among these high-profile artists and their respective labels within the industry.
Drake's bold legal steps could set the stage for an extensive conflict that may reshape narratives in hip-hop.
Drake’s recent legal documents, that consist of a "pre-action petition," aim to ensure the preservation of evidence as he prepares for future litigation. Filed in Texas, they also mention radio conglomerate iHeartRadio, which allegedly played "Not Like Us" billions of times since its debut. Drake’s lawyers predict potential illicit payments from Universal to iHeart as part of a pay-for-play scheme to boost the track’s airplay.
While the rapper has not yet confirmed these claims, he argues that the payments—if they exist—would likely be directed toward iHeartRadio given its dominance in the audio industry. Universal's marketing tactics are further criticized, with Drake asserting that the label used automated systems to inflate streaming figures and engaged online influencers for promotion, which have all been categorically denied by the company.
The root of this legal strife stems from vehement lyrics in "Not Like Us," which Drake claims falsely depict him as a sexual predator. The track debuted at number one and earned four Grammy nominations, serving as a significant element in the feud that has characterized Drake and Lamar's relationship over the past decade. In response, Drake released "The Heart Part 6," a track in which he refuted the allegations and suggested that he misled Lamar with false information, though he later removed the song from his social media.
Despite releasing music through his own label, OVO Music, Drake collaborates with Universal's Republic label for distribution. Similarly, Lamar's records are released through Interscope, a Universal imprint, indicating a complex relationship among these high-profile artists and their respective labels within the industry.
Drake's bold legal steps could set the stage for an extensive conflict that may reshape narratives in hip-hop.
