In a shocking move, rapper Drake has accused Universal Music Group (UMG) of artificially inflating the popularity of Kendrick Lamar's recently released "diss" track, "Not Like Us," using bots and illegal payola practices. According to a petition filed by Drake's business entity, Frozen Moments LLC, in a New York Supreme Court, UMG allegedly conspired with unknown parties to use bots to deceive consumers into believing the song was more popular than it actually was.

The petition alleges that UMG engaged in a range of illicit activities to boost the song's popularity, including charging Spotify rates 30 percent lower than usual in exchange for the music streaming platform "affirmatively recommending" the song to users. Additionally, UMG allegedly entered into payola agreements with radio stations, a practice that is illegal in the United States.

UMG has responded to the allegations, calling them "offensive and untrue" in a statement issued to Billboard. However, the petition requests an order granting "pre-action" disclosure of certain information and demands that "relevant evidence" be preserved, ahead of a potential lawsuit.

The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has been ongoing for some time, with "Not Like Us" being seen as a direct attack on Drake. However, the allegations of UMG's involvement in artificially inflating the song's popularity raise serious questions about the music industry's business practices and the impact on artists and consumers alike.

The use of bots to manipulate song popularity is a growing concern in the music industry, with many artists and industry professionals speaking out against the practice. If proven, UMG's alleged actions could have significant implications for the industry, potentially leading to changes in the way music is promoted and consumed.

The dispute also highlights the ongoing battle for dominance in the music streaming market, with Spotify and other platforms playing an increasingly important role in shaping the music industry's landscape. As the music industry continues to evolve, the importance of transparency and fair business practices will only continue to grow.

In conclusion, the allegations made by Drake against UMG have sparked a heated debate about the music industry's business practices and the impact of technology on the way we consume music. As the situation unfolds, it will be important to monitor developments and consider the broader implications for the industry and its stakeholders.