Drake Says Spotify, UMG Inflated Streams for Kendrick’s Song (1)

Drake, the rapper and singer, is preparing to sue Universal Music Group and Spotify USA Inc., according to a Monday court filing in New York State court, claiming the music companies artificially inflated streams for rapper Kendrick Lamar’s song released earlier this year, “Not Like Us.”

The musician, who during the spring was involved in a high-profile rap beef with Lamar that prompted the release of “Not Like Us,” petitioned a Manhattan court to compel Spotify and UMG to provide and preserve any documents and communications—including text and social media messages—connected to the song, including information about licensing fees ...