Drake Accuses UMG of Using Bots and Payola to Boost Kendrick Lamar's Hit Song

Drake Accuses UMG of Using Bots and Payola to Boost Kendrick Lamar's Hit Song


Drake has taken legal action, alleging foul play behind Kendrick Lamar’s hit song, Not Like Us. The track, which skyrocketed in popularity and seemingly ended their longstanding feud, is now at the center of accusations involving Universal Music Group (UMG). Drake claims UMG employed unethical tactics, including the use of bots and payola, to artificially boost the song's success.

Legal documents obtained by TMZ reveal Drake’s suspicions were sparked by an "inside source" who accused UMG of making covert payments to radio stations and platforms to heavily promote Not Like Us. He also alleges UMG spent thousands in May 2024 to inflate Spotify streams to 30 million and enlisted social media influencers to flood platforms with the track, amplifying its reach.

The rapper draws attention to UMG’s history, citing a 2006 settlement where the label paid $12 million for similar practices. Now, he seeks to uncover how payments were funneled, particularly to iHeartRadio, as part of his plan to build a fraud and racketeering case against the company.

In addition to these allegations, Drake points to Not Like Us’s controversial lyric calling him a "certified pedophile," which he says provides grounds for defamation claims. Despite UMG being the distributor of Drake’s own music, this dispute highlights a significant rift as he prepares to escalate the legal battle.

UMG denies all accusations, labeling Drake’s claims as "offensive and untrue," while emphasizing their commitment to ethical practices.