Drake has accused Spotify of helping Universal Music Group (UMG) artificially boost Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” by charging reduced licensing fees in exchange for recommending the song to users. However, Spotify says the allegations are “false” and a “subversion” of the legal system.
In a motion filed Friday in Manhattan court, Spotify denies any arrangement with UMG to support Lamar’s song. The company claims it has found zero evidence to support Drake’s claims of a bot attack, and that its efforts to mitigate artificial streaming are working effectively.
Spotify’s lawyers argue that civil RICO cases are difficult to prove even with ample evidence, and that Drake lacks specific facts to back up his allegations. They also criticize Drake for using an unusual “pre-action” petition to demand information, which they say is a subversion of the normal judicial process.
Drake’s legal team has responded by saying Spotify and UMG have nothing to hide and should comply with the discovery request if they have nothing to fear. The dispute represents a remarkable twist in the high-profile beef between the two stars, who have exchanged stinging diss tracks over the past few months.
A day later, Drake filed a similar action in Texas, accusing UMG of defaming him by releasing a song that falsely accused him of being a “sex offender.” The actions also represent a stunning rift between Drake and UMG, where the star has spent his entire career.
Source: https://www.billboard.com/pro/spotify-responds-drake-umg-legal-action-false-claims-demanding-dismissal