Drake Claims Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' Success Was Manufactured
Kendrick Lamar's Drake diss track "Not Like Us" dominated the airwaves this summer as the crescendo of a highly publicized battle between the two hit-making rappers. Now, Drake is taking legal action claiming the song's massive success wasn't entirely organic.
In a Nov. 25 filing in Manhattan federal court obtained by Billboard, lawyers for Drake's Frozen Moments company accused Universal Music Group of an illegal "scheme" to boost Lamar's song with more streams using bots, payola, and other methods. Spotify was also implicated in the alleged inflation of Lamar's streams.
"UMG did not rely on chance, or even ordinary business practices," the legal team said. "It instead launched a campaign to manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves."
Drizzy's attorneys claim UMG violated the Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, putting the case in the serious "RICO" legal category similar to that of the case against rapper Young Thug. The lawyers also allege the company engaged in deceptive business practices and false advertising in violation of New York state law.
The petition isn't a full-fledged lawsuit just yet, though the 6 God appears ready to go to court as legal actions like these in New York are used to gather information before filing a lawsuit.
This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.