Drake has initiated legal proceedings against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, claiming that they collaborated to artificially inflate the success of Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us,” which contains sharp criticism directed at Drake within an ongoing conflict between the two prominent figures in the hip-hop world.

On Monday, a petition was filed in a New York court by Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC. The petition seeks the preservation and release of evidence that could support a future lawsuit against Spotify and UMG, the distributor for both artists’ record labels.

In what UMG has labeled as “offensive and untrue” allegations, the filing accuses UMG of orchestrating a scheme to manipulate streaming platforms and radio by promoting “Not Like Us” through tactics such as automated bots and pay-for-play arrangements. The document suggests a longstanding mutually beneficial relationship between UMG and Spotify, asserting that the music giant offered preferential licensing deals for the song.

The court filing further claims that UMG dismissed employees who were perceived as supportive of Drake in an apparent attempt to hide their actions.

In response, UMG issued a statement asserting that the notion they would undermine any of their artists is both offensive and patently false. They emphasized adherence to high ethical standards in their marketing and promotional efforts, stating that no amount of contrived legal arguments can overshadow the fact that music choices ultimately rest with the fans.