
Drake Withdraws Legal Action Accusing UMG and Spotify of Boosting Kendrick’s ‘Not Like Us’
In a sudden turn of events, rapper Drake has withdrawn his legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, alleging that they boosted the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s song “N95” by manipulating streaming data.
The surprise move comes just days after Billboard reported on the ongoing controversy surrounding the song’s rapid rise to the top of various charts. Sources close to the situation have revealed that Drake’s legal team “reserved its position” regarding any potential future action, leaving it unclear whether he will continue to pursue a case against the major label and streaming giant.
The initial lawsuit, filed by Drake on behalf of his record label OVO Sound, claimed that UMG and Spotify had engaged in unfair practices to artificially inflate “N95″‘s chart performance. This alleged manipulation allegedly resulted in the song’s unexpected surge up the charts, unfairly affecting other artists’ visibility and success.
As Billboard reported earlier this week, the situation has sparked widespread debate within the music industry about the ethics of streaming data manipulation. Many have expressed concerns over the potential consequences of such practices on the integrity of chart rankings and the overall music business.
While Drake’s withdrawal of legal action does not necessarily rule out future litigation, it raises more questions than answers. If he chooses to re-file a lawsuit or take other legal action in the future, the details will likely shed further light on the controversy surrounding “N95″‘s sudden rise to fame.
Stay tuned for any updates as this story continues to unfold.
Source: www.billboard.com