Culture/ Hip-hop: Drake drops legal case against Spotify and Universal over Kendrick Lamar diss track
Canadian rapper Drake has withdrawn a legal case against Universal Music Group and Spotify, accusing them of inflating the success of Kendrick Lamar’s controversial diss track, Not Like Us. The move effectively ends a high-profile dispute that had captivated the music industry.
Drake’s pre-action filing, lodged in November, alleged the use of bots and payola to artificially boost streams, radio play, and sales of Lamar’s track, which accuses Drake of inappropriate behavior.
The track quickly topped charts and amassed over a billion Spotify streams, overshadowing Drake’s response, The Heart Part 6.
The accusations, which hinted at a larger industry feud, targeted Universal—distributor for both artists—for purportedly licensing Not Like Us at reduced rates and manipulating its reach.
Spotify dismissed the claims, stating there was « no economic incentive » to favor Lamar over Drake. Universal called the allegations « offensive and untrue. »
This week, Drake’s lawyers voluntarily withdrew the case following discussions with both companies. While Spotify filed an opposition to the petition, it had no objection to the withdrawal. Universal reserved its position.
A related case in Texas, involving Universal and iHeartRadio, remains active. Industry experts have speculated that Drake’s legal maneuvers may have been aimed at renegotiating his contract with Universal.
Meanwhile, analysts warn the controversy risks amplifying Lamar’s diss track, potentially drawing more attention to its damaging lyrics and undercutting Drake’s efforts to shift the narrative.
