The Internet is abuzz with comments following Universal Music Group’s response to Drake’s allegations made against the music label. Drake’s company allegedly claimed that UMG artificially boosted Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, Not Like Us using unfair means.
In a statement to Billboard, UMG said that suggesting that “it would do anything to undermine its artists is offensive and untrue.” It continued to add that UMG maintains “the highest ethical practices” in their marketing campaigns. “No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear,” suggesting that the fans chose Lamar’s music over Drake’s.
Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC filed a pre-petition alleging that UMG and Spotify used bots and paid influencers to illegally pump up the number. The attorneys claimed that they misled the customers into believing that the track was more popular than it actually was.
In another claim, they said that UMG charged Spotify lower licensing rates for the song promotion, recommending it to users who searched for unrelated content. In addition to this claim, Drake also alleged that UMG paid Apple to “purposely misdirect users” to the song. However, Apple has not been named as a respondent in the filing.
How have fans responded on social media about the UMG-Drake feud?
Internet was quick to respond to UMG’s remarks made on Drake’s allegations levied against the label. Some fans opined that UMG is trying to “roast” the Canadian rapper over his actions while others slammed the music company for cheating their artists and blaming fans for choosing the music while they control the algorithms.
“Down so bad, the music company cooking him.” A fan wrote on X.
“they're roasting him 😂” One user mentioned.
“UMG's response was basically "They Not Like Us" lmao.” Another fan wrote.
“UMG’s argument is “fans choose the music they want to hear.” If that’s the case, why have a label? Why have an algorithmic-powered streaming music service? Labels and streamers are focused on discoverability. They’re not neutral tape decks.” One agitated fan said.
“Really telling when a major label pretends fans have pure choice in music while they control playlists, radio payola, and algorithms - they're still playing gatekeeper while selling us the illusion of artistic freedom.” Another person added.
“This is actually not quite true though. In fact it is flatly wrong. It's not true that fans necessarily choose the music that they want to hear always. What becomes a hit absolutely can be manipulated by corporations who can put their thumbs on the scale in certain instances.” One person wrote.
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The rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has escalated over the years. Lamar’s track which was released in May 2024 reportedly amassed 900 million streams on Spotify, making it one of the most-streamed diss tracks in history.
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