The Catalyst: A breakdown of the legal actions of Aubrey Graham
On November 26, 2024, Aubrey Drake Graham—better known as Drake—dropped a legal bombshell. Drake has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, accusing them of using shady promotional tactics to inflate the streaming numbers for Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us.”
Prince Williams/Wireimage via Getty Images
According to Drake, UMG allegedly deployed bots and pay-to-play schemes to boost the song’s popularity. The claim includes accusations that UMG offered Spotify reduced licensing rates for “Not Like Us” in exchange for artificially increasing the track’s recommendations to users. If these claims hold water, they could expose serious breaches of fair competition in the music industry.
In light of the new allegations, we took a look back at the historic rap beef between Kendrick and Drake. In the midst of this battle, we had records flying from many different artists, including Rick Ross, The Game, and Ye.
Kanye’s “Like That Remix” and the Bigger Picture
One of the standout moments in this saga was Kanye West’s feature on “Like That Remix,” a reimagined version of the track that allegedly ignited the Drake-Kendrick rivalry. On this record, Kanye spits a full-on manifesto. Ye boldly proclaims his dominance in the industry while throwing shade at both Drake and J. Cole. But it’s more than just disses; Kanye gets real about systemic issues in the music world. He goes as far as to name-drop Lucian Grainge, the CEO of UMG, calling him Drake’s “master” in a not-so-subtle reference to the exploitative dynamics of the transatlantic slave trade.
This wasn’t just a random jab; it was a scathing critique of how the industry exploits artists for corporate gain. Kanye’s bars about owning masters weren’t new—he’s been preaching this message for over a decade. On the “Like That Remix,” Ye doubled down on his call for artists to reclaim ownership of their creative work, a mission he’s been on since his infamous Graduation vs. Curtis showdown with 50 Cent.
Ye’s lyrics on “Like That Remix” bring full-circle what’s been a consistent theme in his career: exposing the predatory contracts and systemic inequities that leave even the most successful artists financially marginalized. His words resonate as both a warning and a rallying cry, shedding light on how the music industry prioritizes corporate profit over creative ownership. For Kanye, it’s always been about leveling the playing field. Whether it’s calling out unfair contracts or putting a spotlight on the exploitation of Black creatives, he’s used his platform to push for transparency and equity. Love him or hate him, Kanye’s been a whistleblower, even when it wasn’t convenient for him or his brand.
Meek Mill’s Take and Drake’s Alleged Hypocrisy
In the midst of this drama, Meek Mill chimed in on X (seen above), reminding everyone of his beef with Drake nearly a decade ago. Meek hinted that bots might have been in play back then too, suggesting Drake has known about these tactics for years but only decided to speak up after taking an L.
This raises an uncomfortable question: is Drake’s lawsuit about principles, or is it just a case of sour grapes? If the allegations are true, it’s fair to call out UMG and Spotify for foul play. But Drake staying quiet about this issue until it directly affected him reeks of hypocrisy.
What’s Next?
Drake’s legal battle with UMG and Spotify could have massive implications for how the music industry operates. If proven, these accusations might force a reckoning with the practices that dictate streaming numbers and influence charts.
But let’s not forget where this all started: rap beef. From “Like That” to “Not Like Us,” this saga is about more than music—it’s about power, ownership, and the systems that artists like Kanye, Meek, and Kendrick have been fighting against for years.
Kendrick Lamar, "squabble up"
So, what do you think about Drake’s legal move against UMG and Kendrick? Is this a fight for fairness, or just another chapter in a battle fueled by ego and rivalry? Let us know what you think!
Sources:
https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com › files › 2024MusicbusinessworldwideMicrosoft Word - 2024.11.25 NY Pre-Action Discovery Petition ...
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