Drake Accuses UMG, Spotify of Chart Manipulation

Drake has filed a legal petition against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, alleging they conspired to artificially inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us.' According to the filing by Drake's Frozen Moments LLC, UMG and Spotify used bots, payola, and other deceptive practices to boost the track's success on streaming platforms, making it a chart-topping hit. The petition also accuses UMG of offering Spotify reduced licensing rates in exchange for promoting the song to users searching for unrelated music. Drake's legal action cites violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and deceptive business practices. Universal Music Group has denied the accusations, asserting their commitment to ethical practices. The petition is a precursor to a potential lawsuit, seeking evidence to support Drake's claims.