Drake has taken legal action against Universal Music Group and Spotify, accusing the companies of conspiring with Apple’s Siri to promote Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” over his music. The allegations, though unproven, ignite controversy in the music industry.
Drake’s Lawsuit Targets Spotify, UMG Over Rival Song Promotion
Drake is reportedly suing Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG), as reported by Billboard.
The musician asserts that the two worked together to promote Kendrick Lamar's (Drake's competitor) track "Not Like Us," in which Lamar leveled a serious accusation against Drake.
However, Drake's detractors extend beyond UMG and Spotify. The artist has also implicated Apple in a legal document filed in Manhattan this week.
Apple and Siri Allegedly Misdirected Fans to Rival Song
According to the document:
“On information and belief, UMG paid, or approved payments to, Apple Inc. to have its voice-activated digital assistant “Siri” purposely misdirect users to “Not Like Us.” Online sources reported that when users asked Siri to play the album “Certified Loverboy” by recording artist Aubrey Drake Graham d/b/a Drake, Siri instead played “Not Like Us,” which contains the lyric “certified pedophile,” an allegation against Drake.”
9to5Mac explains that since Universal Music Group is the intended victim here, Apple is not technically under legal suspicion of wrongdoing.
Claims of Siri’s Involvement Raise Serious Industry Questions
Still, it's a really outlandish assertion, and it's easy to dismiss it as a hoax or, worse, Siri's less-than-stellar performance.
Could it be that Siri occasionally played Lamar's song by mistake? Of course. Siri may make the most outlandish errors from time to time.
What if Apple accepted a bribe to promote a popular song by Drake's rival on Siri and Apple Music? It's quite strange to criticize the corporation in that way. One that isn't supported by evidence, considering how ridiculous it sounds and the fact that Drake isn't actually suing the business.
