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Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s Rap ‘Beef’ Escalates to Legal Drama in US Courts
Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s Rap ‘Beef’ Escalates to Legal Drama in US Courts
The ongoing rivalry between Canadian rap icon Drake and American hip-hop heavyweight Kendrick Lamar has taken an unexpected legal turn. What started as a musical feud has now spilled into US courts, with Drake accusing Universal Music Group (UMG), the label behind Kendrick Lamar, of shady practices to boost Lamar’s streaming numbers and tarnish Drake’s reputation.
From Diss Tracks to Legal Filings
This year has seen the Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud reach new heights. Both artists released diss tracks targeting one another, with Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” becoming a standout. The track, which takes aim at Drake, has achieved massive commercial success, amassing over 900 million Spotify streams and earning a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year.
In “Not Like Us”, Kendrick pulls no punches, accusing Drake of inappropriate relationships and questioning his integrity. The allegations, coupled with the song’s widespread success, seem to have pushed Drake to take his battle off the airwaves and into the courtroom.
Drake’s Allegations Against UMG
Drake has filed two separate legal petitions—one in New York and another in Texas—alleging that Universal Music Group conspired to inflate Kendrick Lamar’s streaming numbers artificially and used the song’s controversial lyrics to damage Drake’s reputation intentionally.
According to Drake’s filings, UMG is accused of:
- Using Bots to Inflate Streams: Drake claims UMG employed automated bots to boost the streaming numbers of “Not Like Us” on Spotify.
- Manipulating Licensing Fees: UMG allegedly offered Spotify unusually low licensing rates for the track in exchange for prioritizing it across the platform.
- Knowingly Distributing Harmful Content: Drake also accuses UMG of ignoring the “offending material” in Kendrick’s lyrics, distributing the track without edits despite its defamatory nature.
The New York petition reads, “UMG designed, financed, and executed a plan to turn ‘Not Like Us’ into a viral mega-hit with the intent of using the spectacle of harm to Drake and his businesses to drive consumer hysteria and generate massive revenues.”
UMG Responds to the Allegations
In response, Universal Music Group has denied all claims, calling Drake’s accusations “contrived and absurd.”
In a statement to AFP, a UMG spokesperson said:
“The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. Fans choose the music they want to hear.”
The Impact of the Legal Drama
While the legal filings are not formal lawsuits, they open the door for potential court battles in the future. For now, Drake seems to be laying the groundwork for a more comprehensive legal challenge, collecting evidence that could be used to pursue damages against UMG.
Kendrick Lamar, on the other hand, has largely avoided directly addressing Drake’s legal maneuvers. However, during a recent interview, Kendrick dismissed the drama, saying, “He trippin’,” when asked about Drake’s viral comments.
Drake, for his part, remained composed during a recent appearance on xQc’s livestream, where he joked about the situation but hinted at having more moves in store.
Fans Weigh In on the Feud
The rap feud has captivated fans, with opinions divided between the two camps. Some support Drake’s fight against what they see as unfair practices in the music industry, while others applaud Kendrick’s lyrical prowess and commercial success with “Not Like Us”.
The drama has reignited debates about ethical practices in music streaming and the blurred lines between competition and defamation in the entertainment world.
Conclusion
The Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud has evolved from diss tracks to legal filings, highlighting the high stakes of modern-day rap rivalries. With both artists at the top of their game, the legal battle adds another layer of intrigue to their storied careers.
As fans and the industry await further developments, one thing is clear: this is no ordinary beef. Whether in the studio or the courtroom, Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s rivalry continues to push the boundaries of hip-hop drama.
