Rapper Drake has filed a petition in New York's state Supreme Court, accusing his record label Universal Music Group (UMG) and music streaming giant Spotify of engaging in shady business practices to manipulate the chart success of Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us".

According to the petition, UMG allegedly launched a campaign to "manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves" with the song, using "bots" and pay-to-play agreements to make it go viral. Drake's lawyers claim that UMG gave Spotify a lower licensing rate for "Not Like Us" in exchange for the streaming platform recommending the song to listeners.

UMG has denied the allegations, with spokesperson James Murtagh-Hopkins stating that the label employs "the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns" and that fans choose the music they want to hear. However, the controversy raises questions about the integrity of music streaming platforms and the role of record labels in promoting their artists.

This is not the first time that artists have been accused of using automated tools to boost their streaming numbers. Spotify has a dedicated section on its website warning fans and artists about "artificial" streams of music. The issue has sparked debate about the fairness and transparency of music streaming platforms, with some arguing that the use of bots and payola undermines the authenticity of chart success.

The petition, filed by Drake's firm Frozen Moments LLC, is seeking information and documents related to UMG and Spotify's dealings with "Not Like Us". While it is not yet a full lawsuit, the action has significant implications for the music industry and could lead to a wider investigation into the practices of record labels and streaming platforms.

The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has been well-documented, with the two rappers engaging in a public tit-for-tat earlier this year. However, Drake's accusations against UMG and Spotify take the controversy to a new level, highlighting the complex and often opaque relationships between artists, labels, and streaming platforms.

As the music industry continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies and business models, the issue of transparency and fairness will remain a pressing concern. The outcome of Drake's petition and any subsequent legal action could have far-reaching implications for the way music is promoted, consumed, and monetized.

Representatives for Drake, UMG, and Spotify did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The story is ongoing, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.