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Drake and "Not Like Us" have been trending across social media today, November 26, 2024, following reports of a pre-action petition filed against UMG and streaming giant Spotify.
According to Billboard, Frozen Moments LLC, another record label registered under the Canadian rapper's business empire, filed a motion accusing Universal Music Group of conspiring with Spotify to artificially boost the streaming numbers of Not Like Us.
According to court documents, the petition was submitted to the Manhattan court on November 25, 2024. The legal action against UMG suggests the use of "bots, payola, and other methods" to boost Kendrick Lamar's highly viscous diss track, Not Like Us, which went viral over the many allegations surrounding Drake's personal life.
Trending
A UMG spokesperson released a statement to Billboard denying all rumors surrounding the artificial inflation of Not Like Us' streaming numbers, calling the claims "offensive and untrue."
"We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear."
With the potential lawsuit adding another layer to the 2024 rap beef, popular media outlets have reposted UMG's public statement across social media. Netizens have taken to platforms like X to share their thoughts on the unfolding situation.
One individual was seen referencing the early 2000s when Ja Rule dropped Loose Change, dissing Eminem. However, he would later concede to the Aftermath signee, who released highly aggressive responses like Doe Rae Me.
Several comparative discussions sparked up amongst hip-hop fans, as individuals were seen breaking down and discussing Kendrick Lamar and Eminem's legacy.
"Kendrick fans are unbearable man. 2002 Eminem had the #1 album, #1 movie, & #1 single AT THE SAME TIME. The Eminem Show sold 8 million that year (eventually almost went 3x DIAMOND). 8 Mile made $250M and he won an Oscar. Signed 50 cent/G Unit to his label, and ended Benzino and Ja Rule," an Eminem fan stated.
"You can't compare numbers without adding context to how different rap numbers are now from back then. So that doesn't really mean as much as you think it does. And compare Benzino and Ja Rule to DRAKE? Come on. I'm the #1 Em guy, but Kendrick's year is HUGE. You had to go back to 2002 to rival it. You're letting your dislike of Kendrick show again." Another claimed.
"Not glazing or anything...but Drake has at least 4 of These years in his 17 year career..." a Drizzy fan claimed.
More reactions followed with individuals reposting memes and gifs, clowning the OVO CEO for allegedly attempting to take further shots at Kendrick Lamar.
"Come On Man. Because you lost a rap battle? Dot said Squabble Up Not Lawyer Up. I'm just here for the chaos. Let's Discuss....." a user reposts Charlamagne The God's reaction.
"Almost every brand on Twitter was quoting the song. Spotify didn't need to do anything." A user commented.
"Lmaooooooo this is one of the most pathetic things I've ever seen bro just hold the L," added another.
"What happened Mr Aubrey? probably didn't write this either," a fan share,s quoting a line from 'Family Matters.'
What is Frozen Moments LLC? Drake's mysterious company surfaces in pre-action petition filed against UMG and Spotify
With Drake supposedly alleging that UMG and Spotify conspired to inflate Not Like Us' streams, several individuals online have found a mysterious company called "Frozen Moments LLC" highlighted within the court documents.
The company appears to be another label part of the OVO CEO's business empire, with the first mentions of its existence appearing in the 2012 Dalton Higgins book, Far from Over: The Music and Life of Drake, the Unofficial Story.
The book describes this company as a sports and entertainment organization based out of Philadelphia, which reportedly sent out business proposals to high-level music executives in 2006, pushing Drizzy as a rising star.
By May 7, 2009, Drake successfully incorporated the company as Frozen Moments, Inc., in Florida, and eight days later registered it as an LLC, with Drizzy labeled as the manager and sole member of the firm.
In August of the same year, Frozen Moments LLC began filing trademarks for "Drake-related products and services," their reported attempts to maintain the brand imaging of the OVO superstar supposedly increasing over time.
The first time fans found Frozen Moments LLC credited on a Drake project was on his 2009 hit Best I Ever Had, before appearing once again in the publishing credits for Summer Walker's 2018 single Girls Need Love.
While Drake and UMG's ongoing legal situation continues to unfold, the OVO CEO's rival Kendrick Lamar has yet to publicly respond to claims that Not Like Us' streams were artificially boosted on Spotify.
Kendrick teamed up with DJ Mustard to release Not Like Us on May 5, 2024. The single has since generated close to a billion streams on Spotify and has been nominated six times at the upcoming 67th Grammy Awards.
