In a significant turn of events, Drake has officially withdrawn his legal petition against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify. The dispute, which began in November 2024, accused the companies of artificially inflating Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us." The withdrawal notice, filed on January 14 via Drake's company Frozen Moments LLC, discontinues all legal proceedings without any financial penalties for the involved parties. This marks an end to a contentious period that had sparked widespread debate within the music industry.
Details of the Legal Withdrawal
In the heart of winter, on January 14, Drake's legal team formally announced the discontinuation of all legal actions against UMG and Spotify. The original petition, initiated in November 2024, alleged that UMG engaged in a scheme to manipulate streaming services and airwaves to boost the popularity of Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us." According to Drake's claims, UMG allegedly used bots and pay-to-play agreements to saturate platforms with the track. Both Drake and Lamar release their music through UMG subsidiaries—Republic Records and Interscope Records, respectively. "Not Like Us," released in May 2024, reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart, marking Lamar's fourth US No. 1 hit.
The petition also suggested that UMG offered Spotify lower licensing rates for "Not Like Us" in exchange for promoting the song to users searching for unrelated content. However, Spotify contested these claims, stating it had no economic incentive to favor Lamar's track over Drake's. Spotify further clarified that only one promotional tool, Marquee, was purchased for €500 to promote the track in France. UMG defended itself by asserting its commitment to ethical marketing practices, emphasizing that fans choose the music they want to hear.
Ultimately, Drake's decision to withdraw the petition signifies a resolution to a highly publicized conflict. In a filing to the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Drake's legal team confirmed the voluntary discontinuation of the special proceeding without costs to any party involved.
From a journalist's perspective, this case underscores the complexities and sensitivities inherent in the music industry. It highlights the importance of transparency and ethical practices in marketing and promotion. While the legal battle has ended, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between artistic expression and commercial interests. The withdrawal may also signal a potential easing of tensions between prominent figures in the rap community, fostering a more collaborative environment moving forward.