Spotify responds to Drake’s claims that it “artificially inflated” Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ streaming numbers

nme.com:

Drake’s claims that Spotify “artificially inflated” the streaming figures for Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’, the streaming platform has responded with an official statement.Last month, Drake accused Spotify and his label, Universal Music Group, of inflating the numbers for the track, in which Lamar takes aim at the rapper as part of their ongoing feud.

He also accused UMG – who distribute Lamar’s music too – of defamation.As a result, Spotify has filed opposition papers, and a spokesperson said: “Spotify has no economic incentive for users to stream ‘Not Like Us’ over any of Drake’s tracks.

Only one of Spotify for Artists’ tools, Marquee, was purchased on behalf of the song, for €500 to promote the track in France.

Marquee is a visual ad that is disclosed to users as a Sponsored Recommendation.”It states in the opposition papers: “Contrary to the allegations in the Petition, UMG and Spotify have never had any arrangement in which UMG ‘charged Spotify licensing rates 30 per cent lower than its usual licensing rates for ‘Not Like Us’ in exchange for Spotify affirmatively recommending [‘Not Like Us’],’ including ‘to users who are searching for other songs and artists.”Meanwhile, a UMG spokesperson called the accusations “offensive and untrue,” adding: “We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns.