Drake launches 2nd legal action over Kendrick Lamar’s song. What could happen next?

Drake has recently launched a second legal action against Universal Music Group, alleging defamation and claiming that the music giant could have stopped the release of Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” for falsely accusing him of being a sex offender. This legal action follows an initial petition filed earlier, which alleged that UMG and Spotify conspired to artificially boost the popularity of Lamar’s diss track against Drake amid a feud between the two hip-hop stars. It is important to note that none of the allegations have been proven in court.

Legal experts have described these petitions as unprecedented and believe that they could have not only legal implications but also significant cultural impacts within the world of hip-hop. The legal filings made by Drake are aimed at obtaining information that could support his accusations in a potential future lawsuit. As of now, no lawsuits have been filed, and these petitions are merely a precursor to any formal legal action.

In response to these allegations, Spotify has declined to comment, while UMG has strongly denied the claims, stating that they employ ethical practices in their marketing and promotional campaigns and would never undermine any of their artists. The latest filing by Drake alleges that UMG had the power to prevent the release of Lamar’s song or require edits to be made but chose not to do so, thereby allowing the defamatory content to be disseminated.

“Not Like Us,” released on May 4, is a diss track by Lamar targeting Drake, in which he accuses him of being a sexual predator. The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has garnered over 900 million streams on Spotify. The legal actions also claim that UMG engaged in payola practices by artificially boosting the song’s streams through bots and undisclosed schemes, as well as making payments to radio promoters to secure airplay for the track.

These allegations, if proven true, could have far-reaching implications not only in terms of legal consequences but also in shedding light on the inner workings of the music industry, especially concerning streaming platforms and promotional tactics. The legal filings may lead to increased transparency around algorithms used by streaming services and could potentially benefit artists in the future.

Beyond the legal ramifications, one expert believes that these legal actions will have a significant cultural impact within the hip-hop community. Traditionally, rap beefs have been resolved through verbal exchanges and audience judgment, but taking legal action goes against the unwritten rules of the genre. Some fans may be left confused and disappointed by Drake’s decision to pursue legal action, as it deviates from the norms of hip-hop culture.

In conclusion, Drake’s legal actions against UMG and Spotify have the potential to reshape the landscape of hip-hop and the music industry at large. Whether these allegations are proven true or not, the repercussions of these legal battles could have lasting effects on how artists interact and compete within the industry.