Drake’s Legal Team Mocks Spotify For Denying “Inflated” Streaming Allegations

Drake believes he has a strong case against UMG and Spotify. The rapper has stated, categorically, that the label and streaming platform conspired to boost the streams of Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us.” He has filed a motion to examine UMG and Spotify data to set the record straight. Spotify denied the 6 God and issued a statement dismissing his allegations. It didn’t take long for the rapper to issue a response of his own. Drake’s legal team made it clear that they are not going away until they get the information they want.

Let’s recap the Spotify denial. The streaming platform claimed that it has no “economic incentive” to boost the streams of “Not Like Us” over a Drake song. Furthermore, the company stated that they did not find any information to support the rapper’s claims regarding bots. Drake’s initial motion contained an allegation regarding an individual who used bots to boost “Not Like Us” streams by 30 million.” The platform also denied the allegation that UMG charged them 30% lower in terms of licensing rates to promote Kendrick Lamar’s diss.

Drake Was Not Surprised By Spotify’s Denial

Drake’s legal team was nonplussed. They issued a statement within hours, and they claimed to have anticipated Spotify’s line of defense. “It is not surprising that Spotify is trying to distance themselves,” they wrote. “From UMG’s allegedly manipulative practices to artificially inflate streaming numbers on behalf of one of its other artists.” Drake’s representatives also restated their ultimate goal, which is to gain access to streaming data. As far as the rapper is concerned, UMG and Spotify should be willing to share as long as they are not guilty. “If Spotify and UMG have nothing to hide,” the statement concluded. “Then they should be perfectly fine complying with this basic discovery request.”

Drake has been widely ridiculed for his decision to take legal action. Many of his peers have mocked his decision to “lawyer up” instead of “squabble up,” to quote Charlamagne Tha God. Nevertheless, he will move forward with his allegations. Those eager for new Drake music instead of drama, however, will be thrilled to learn that he’s back in the studio. He posted a photo of 40 working on a new song the night before his Spotify response.

About The Author

Elias Andrews is a music and entertainment writer for HotNewHipHop. He joined HNHH in 2024 as the lead night shift contributor, which means he covers new music releases on a weekly basis.

In the year since joining, Elias has covered some of the biggest and most turbulent stories in the world of music. He covered the Drake and Kendrick Lamar battle, and the release of the disses “Family Matters” and “Meet the Grahams,” in particular, in real time. He has also detailed the ongoing list of allegations and criminal charges made against Diddy.

Elias’ favorite artists are Andre 3000, MF Doom, pre-808s Kanye West and Tyler, The Creator. He loves L.A. hip-hop but not L.A. sports teams. The first album he ever bought was Big Willie Style by Will Smith, which he maintains is still a pretty good listen.