The feud between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar seems to have taken an interesting turn. In May 2024, the latter released the diss track Not Like Us which even received a Grammy nomination. Lamar's hit single, which addresses claimed misconduct against the One Dance rapper, received critical acclaim and topped the Billboard Hot 100.
However, the Canada-born rapper does not seem happy about the diss track as he sought legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify on November 25, 2024, in Manhattan court.
He alleged that the two music companies artificially boosted the track instead of his. His company Frozen Moments LLC claimed UMG used illegal methods like bots and payola to boost the track.
It's important to remember that Drake didn't file a lawsuit, but a 'pre-action' petition. The rapper community and other personalities have reacted to this development with various comments.
For instance, radio host and TV personality Charlamagne Tha God did not seem too happy about the situation. He shared a photo of the incident’s headline on Instagram and wrote,
“Come On Man. Because you lost a rap battle? Dot said Squabble Up Not Lawyer Up. I’m just here for the chaos. Let’s Discuss……”
Previously, Charlamagne Tha God had appreciated the Canadian rapper for the way he handled the situation with rapper Meek Mill but this time, he viewed it as an act of impulsion. Top Dawg Entertainment President Punch mocked Drake on social media, suggesting the rap scene has taken a hit. Producer Mustard, who collaborated on Lamar's Not Like Us and TV Off added to the commentary with laughter.
YouTuber Adam 22 and Audiomack co-founder Brian Zisook also reacted to Drake’s petition
Brian Zisook shared an X post in which he made an interesting revelation saying UMG would sue Kendrick Lamar if the Canadian rapper pursued a lawsuit against them. As shocking as it may sound, the veracity of Zisook’s statement is under question as he wrote,
“In the filing, Drake claims that UMG told him that the label would sue Kendrick if Drake filed his own lawsuit (against them). If true, that is hilarious because... why would that stop him? If anything, that probably motivated Drake to proceed. Wild.”
On the other hand, YouTuber Adam 22 appeared to support the rapper after he wrote on X that the Know Yourself rapper might look like a hero if he exposed the corruption in the music industry.
According to Variety, a representative from UMG rejected the claims of undermining their artists, calling the accusations both offensive and baseless as a response to allegations. They emphasized their commitment to ethical marketing and promotional practices, asserting that fan preferences drive music popularity, not manipulation.
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A report by Hotnewhiphop stated that lawyers representing Frozen Moments LLC accused UMG of using deliberate tactics to dominate streaming platforms and airwaves. This action, as a result, allegedly violated laws including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, deceptive business practices, and false advertising.
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