The never-ending drama between Drake, UMG, and Kendrick Lamar: A real conflict or an epic marketing ploy?
When we thought that the drama in the music industry I couldn't climb any higher, Drake surprises us with a second lawsuit, this time in Texas, against Universal Music Group (UMG). The reason? According to the artist, UMG not only allowed the launch of «Not Like Us», of Kendrick Lamar, but would also have driven it with the intention of defame him and benefit from the chaosWhat's really going on?
The core of the lawsuit: defamation and questionable strategies
Drake accuses UMG to promote the song «Not Like Us», where Kendrick apparently throws a low blow with the phrase: «Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles», a not-so-subtle reference to the Canadian. The lawyers of Drake They claim that the record label Not only was he able to avoid this launch, but he used it as a tool to generate massive income and virality, taking advantage of the negative impact on its image.
The interesting thing is that Kendrick Lamar is not included in the demand, something that already happened with the first legal action presented by Drake in New YorkOn that occasion, the Canadian also pointed towards UMG and Spotify, accusing them of inflating the figures reproduction of the topic to feed the scandal.
UMG responds strongly
Of course, UMG He did not remain silent. In a official statement, they rated the accusations of Drake as "offensive and false", stressing that their campaigns always meet standards ethical taller. According to them, "Fans choose the music they want to hear", rejecting any theory of conspiracy around the success of «Not Like Us».
The impact of "Not Like Us"
Regardless of who is right in this legal battle, he success on the subject of Kendrick Lamar It is undeniable. With more than 180 million views on YouTube and overcoming the 900 million streams on Spotify, the song is one of the biggest hits of 2024But not everything is due to the quality of the issue (which, according to many, is indisputable), but also to lore that surrounds it. The narrative of rivalry, added to the hate straight towards Drake, has transformed «Not Like Us» in a cultural phenomenon and a powerful weapon in the streaming war.
Art, strategy or both?
This conflict raises interesting questions about the boundaries between art and market strategy. Is this a genuine confrontation between Drake and UMG, or we are watching a masterpiece of the viral marketing? After all, both Drake as Kendrick Lamar have come out on top in terms of relevance and numbers.
The truth is that, while this history continue, the reproductions They will continue to rise and we will be here, enjoying the show. Because, let's be honest, the drama He is the true king of the music in this era digital.
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