Drake Sues Universal Music Group and Spotify Over Kendrick Lamar’s Hit ‘Not Like Us’

The long-running rivalry between rap stars Drake and Kendrick Lamar has reached the courtroom. On November 25, Drake filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, accusing them of working together to unfairly boost Lamar’s hit song Not Like Us.

The case, filed under Drake’s company Frozen Moments LLC in New York, claims UMG used shady methods, like bots and paid promotions, to make the song a massive success.

What Drake is Saying

Drake’s lawyers accuse UMG of running an illegal operation to manipulate music streams and radio play for Kendrick’s song. “UMG did not rely on luck or normal business practices,” the lawsuit says. “It launched a campaign to flood streaming services and airwaves.”

The lawsuit also claims Spotify helped UMG by showing Not Like Us to users searching for other songs or artists. Additionally, Drake says UMG paid influencers to promote Lamar’s song over Drake’s tracks during their ongoing rap feud.

He even accuses them of using bots to boost streaming numbers. Apple is also mentioned for allegedly using Siri to steer users toward Lamar’s song, though it isn’t part of the lawsuit.

UMG, which represents both Drake and Lamar, denies the accusations. “The idea that UMG would harm its own artists is ridiculous and untrue,” the company said in a statement. “We follow strict ethical practices in all our promotions. Fans choose what music they want to hear.”

Spotify hasn’t made any public comment yet.

A source close to Drake’s team says this lawsuit isn’t just about Not Like Us. It’s also tied to Drake’s contract negotiations with UMG. He believes money he made for the label was used to promote Lamar’s music. “This isn’t just about one song,” the source said. “It’s about how the label treats its artists fairly.”

The lawsuit raises big questions about how the music industry works. If the claims are true, it could expose problems like using bots and paying for streams to push songs up the charts. With two of rap’s biggest stars involved, this case might force music labels and streaming platforms to change how they do business.

Fans will be watching closely as the legal drama unfolds—and as the feud between Drake and Lamar hits a new level.