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Drake is coming after Spotify. The rapper, who’s known for hits like “One Dance,” has officially initiated legal action against the music streaming app and Universal Music Group (UMG).
In case you need a refresher, Drake and Kendrick Lamar have been at odds since the summer. Then, the two released scathing diss tracks about each other, but Kendrick’s anthem, “Not Like Us,” destroyed Drake. The song was so popular that it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also became a staple hit that had massive celebrities, including LeBron James, singing along.
According to Billboard, Drake’s attorneys filed legal documents in a Manhattan court, accusing the two music companies of launching an illegal “scheme” to promote Kendrick’s song. TMZ Hip Hop reported that an “inside source” told Drake that UMG made “covert payments” to several companies, including radio stations. That act is called “payola,” and it’s prohibited by the FCC. The documents also allege that UMG spent “thousands” of dollars on “bots” to get Lamar’s song to 30 million streams on Spotify. So, what are fans saying about the news?
Fans Think Drake Is Being Delusional: ‘It Won the Popular Vote and the Electoral College’
After the news broke that Drake was initiating legal action against Spotify, pop culture fans rushed to the comments to share their thoughts.
“No, Drake. The people actually like this song,” one user wrote on X. “It won the popular vote and the electoral college.” After all, the song debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 with over 70 million streams.
“Inflate the popularity?” another person wrote. “‘Not Like Us’ was in an NBA commercial just hours after the song was released.”
“Kendrick beat his a** so bad he had to take it to court,” another person added.
“Drake is a sore loser,” a fourth person commented.
The legal documents filed by Drake and his team are shocking, considering that Drake also partnered with UMG. The company distributes his music, and although they work together, that hasn’t stopped him from going after them. According to TMZ, Drake’s first goal is to understand how UMG allegedly “funneled payments to iHeartRadio and its network of stations.” Following that, he plans to “file a civil fraud and racketeering case against UMG and any co-conspirators.”
“Lmao,” someone said. “This is one of the most pathetic things I’ve ever seen. Bro, just hold the L.”
Drake Cut Celebrities off for Supporting Kendrick Lamar
Spotify isn’t the only big name with which Drake has beef. Recently, the musician has been in the news for feuding with NBA stars, including LeBron James.
Faithful internet sleuths peeped several weeks ago that Drake unfollowed The King on Instagram.
Their beef started after James was seen jamming to Kendrick’s song during a summer concert. But it wasn’t just LeBron who got cut off. DeMar DeRozan was also axed from Drake’s circle. In fact, during an NBA interview in early November, Drake told commentators he’d rip a DeRozan jersey from Scotiabank Arena’s ceiling should they ever try to honor the former Raptors player.
Weeks later, Drake addressed his fake friends with an interesting comment.
“They might move funny with you. They might stab you in the back; they might do a lot of things to you. You’ll come to that realization. Wherever you’re at in life, you’ve probably been there, and you’ll be there again.”
To make things worse for Drake, Kendrick will perform at the NFL Super Bowl halftime show in 2025. Although his setlist hasn’t been revealed yet, it’s almost a given the rapper will close the show with “Not Like Us,” considering it was the hit of the year. In the meantime, fans will have to keep a close eye on the status of Drake’s legal petitions.
