Drake VS. Kendrick Lamar: The Battle Over Streaming Numbers Gets Ugly

Drake, the worldwide rap icon, has sparked controversy once more, accusing Universal Music and Spotify of "artificially inflating" the streaming numbers for Kendrick Lamar's diss hit, "Not Like Us." The allegations have inflamed an already strained relationship between the two performers, with both fans and business insiders paying close attention to the claims. 

The Alleged Artificial Inflation of Streams

In a bold statement, Drake alleged that streaming companies were intentionally boosting Lamar's "Not Like Us," a single widely thought to be a jab to the Canadian rapper. According to Drake, Universal Music and Spotify allegedly manipulated streaming figures to give the illusion of increased popularity for Kendrick Lamar's most recent album.

Kendrick Lamar’s Track and the Feud

"Not Like Us" was released as part of Kendrick Lamar's latest project, prompting instant conjecture that the song was directed at Drake following their prior feud. The song was released following a period of escalating antagonism between the two, particularly given their relative positions in hip-hop and the ongoing argument about lyrical authenticity.
In the song, Lamar delivers short, direct phrases that many fans took as a swipe at Drake's style and reputation. The song swiftly acquired popularity, becoming one of the most-streamed tracks on Spotify within a few days. However, it wasn't simply the song's content that drew attention; it was also how quickly it soared to the top of the streaming rankings. Drake's remarks now suggest that the song's rapid increase in popularity was the result of behind-the-scenes manipulation rather than merit.

 

 

 

 

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Spotify and Universal’s Response

As of now, neither Spotify nor Universal Music have officially responded to Drake's charges. While Spotify has previously faced scrutiny for its streaming figures, it is unclear whether these charges are based on real proof or are part of an ongoing competition between the two musicians. Universal Music, Kendrick Lamar's label, has also been silent on the topic, but industry sources believe the claims will launch an internal inquiry into music streaming and chart manipulation techniques.

Industry Impact and Public Reaction

Fans of both artists have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting Drake’s claims and others defending Kendrick Lamar’s artistry. On social media, the rivalry between the two rappers has intensified, with hashtags like #DrakeVsKendrick trending worldwide.

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