Drake | Photo Credit: Richard Shotwell

Drake has filed a legal suit against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that the company has used underhanded tactics to artificially boost the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track. not like usThe song, which takes aim at Drake with highly personal accusations, is part of an ongoing and escalating feud between the two rappers.

In a filing submitted to a Manhattan court on Monday, Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, accused UMG of conspiring to increase the song’s visibility on streaming platforms like Spotify. According to the petition, UMG used “bots,” payola, and other methods to artificially manipulate the song’s streaming numbers. Drake’s legal team claims UMG has obtained the license not like us Automated systems were used to market Spotify at significantly lower rates and to create misleading perceptions about its popularity.

This lawsuit is particularly notable because UMG distributes music for both Drake and Lamar. The petition further suggests that UMG may have used similar tactics with other platforms, including paying Apple to get its Siri Assistant users on track.

UMG immediately responded to the allegations, calling them “offensive and untrue.” A representative of the company denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that the company maintains ethical marketing practices and that music fans choose what they listen to.

The petition, which is a “pre-action” filing under New York law, seeks to gather information before potentially filing a full lawsuit. Drake’s lawyers are pursuing serious legal claims, including violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which is often used in criminal cases. They also alleged deceptive business practices and false advertising.

The ongoing feud between Drake and Lamar has escalated over the past year, with Lamar releasing a series of diss tracks, some of which made personal and controversial allegations about Drake’s personal life. While Drake initially responded with lyrics of his own, he later removed them, and the conflict seemed to cool down until Lamar’s recent song gnx The album created tension again.