Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Hits Historic Spotify Milestone Amid Controversy
In a momentous achievement, Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” has officially crossed one billion streams on Spotify. This milestone cements the song’s place in music history, making it the first diss track ever to achieve this feat. The accomplishment adds to the song’s impressive list of accolades, including twice reaching the No. 1 spot, being named Best Rap Song of 2024, and dominating Apple Music’s most-streamed and best-selling song lists last year.
A Record-Breaking Journey
Released in May 2023, “Not Like Us” quickly became a cultural phenomenon. According to the NFR Podcast, a platform often accused by Drake of being funded by Universal Music Group (UMG) to promote Kendrick’s work, the track has now amassed 1,002,438,426 streams on Spotify. This incredible milestone was reached in near-record time, further solidifying Kendrick’s influence in the rap industry.
The song’s renewed attention is partly fueled by ongoing legal drama involving Drake and Universal Music Group, which has cast a shadow over its meteoric rise.
Drake’s Allegations: Bots, Bribes, and Defamation
Drake, Kendrick’s Canadian superstar and long-time rival, has taken legal action against UMG. He claims the company deliberately boosted “Not Like Us” using streaming bots and financial incentives. Furthermore, he alleges that UMG defamed him by releasing a track that falsely paints him as a predator.
The legal filings, described as “pre-lawsuit petitions”, aim to gather evidence for potential future lawsuits. Drake has not yet filed a formal lawsuit but is seeking information from UMG, Spotify, and iHeartMedia regarding alleged violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and other deceptive business practices.
In the first petition, Drake accuses UMG of orchestrating fraudulent marketing tactics to ensure “Not Like Us” became a massive hit. The second petition aims iHeartMedia and alleges defamation, with Drake claiming UMG spread harmful and false accusations about him to promote Kendrick’s track.
The Impact of the Lawsuit
Since the legal battle began in November 2024, “Not Like Us” has seen a 440% increase in sales and a 20% boost in streaming numbers, according to Talk of the Charts. The controversy has only amplified the song’s visibility, sparking debates among fans and critics alike.
In response to Drake’s allegations, Universal Music Group issued a strong denial, stating:
“The suggestion that UMG would undermine any of its artists is both offensive and untrue. We uphold the highest ethical standards in our marketing campaigns. No amount of baseless legal arguments will change the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.”
The rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has spanned years, but “Not Like Us” has elevated their feud to new heights. The track’s lyrics, which reportedly take direct shots at Drake, have resonated with fans, solidifying Kendrick’s reputation as one of rap’s most formidable lyricists.
For Kendrick, this milestone is a testament to his enduring influence in the music industry. For Drake, it’s another chapter in a saga of professional and personal rivalry that shows no signs of ending soon.
One thing is clear: whether through its record-breaking streams or the controversies it has ignited, “Not Like Us” has left an indelible mark on hip-hop history. Fans worldwide are now eagerly watching as this battle of titans unfolds both in the studio and the courtroom.
