Drake v. UMG: How the Rap Beef Turned Legal
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?? The Drake-Kendrick feud is far from over. Hence, sometimes you have to pop out and sue according to legal experts. But to be clear, Drake is not suing Kendrick Lamar head-on. Drake filed a petition in a New York court on Monday (Nov. 25) accusing Universal Music Group and Spotify of inflating streams i.e. Kendrick Lamar's chart-topping diss track "Not Like Us." The petition alleges the song was licensed to Spotify at a 30% discount in exchange for a boost in recommendations to users. What’s more, a second legal action against UMG was filed late Monday and made public on Tuesday (Nov. 26). Reportedly, the latest filing alleges payola and defamation. In a statement, a spokesperson for UMG denied the allegations.?
"We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns” - UMG spokesperson?
In other news…
?? Did you know that November is officially Hip Hop History Month? Congress previously passed a resolution last year, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), designating August as Hip-Hop Recognition Month, and November as Hip Hop History Month. Today, Hip Hop remains the most popular genre in the U.S. initially surpassing Rock back in 2018.?
?? Legendary musician, composer and producer Quincy Jones was posthumously honored with a Lifetime Achievement Oscar at the 15th Governors Awards on Nov 17. Jones died earlier this month at the age of 91, and was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Los Angeles.
?? The 58th annual Country Music Awards (Nov. 20) has caused a bit of controversy. Beyoncé was noticeably snubbed after not receiving any nominations for Cowboy Carter. Also, rising country star Shaboozey was nominated in two high-profile categories but didn't win either award. Apparently, this year’s CMAs had quite a few snubs and surprises.
Extra, extra read all about it!
?? The Recording Academy recently announced the 2025 Grammy nominations! This year, Beyoncé leads with 11 nods, following Kendrick Lamar, Charli XCX, Post Malone and Billie Eilish with seven noms each. And not far behind, Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter with six nominations apiece.?
Here are the list of nominees for the “big four” categories:
The 67th annual Grammys takes place on Sun, Feb. 2, 2025.?
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