DONKEY: Drake Files Lawsuit For Defamation & Claims Artificially Inflated Streams Over Not Like Us

Summary

The Breakfast Club Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Breakfast Club
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Description: The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
• Episode Title: DONKEY: Drake Files Lawsuit For Defamation & Claims Artificially Inflated Streams Over Not Like Us
• Release Date: December 2, 2024

---

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God delve into a heated discussion surrounding a significant legal battle in the music industry. The focus is on Aubrey Drake Graham, widely known as Drake, and his recent actions against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify. The episode is marked by sharp commentary, engaging debates, and insightful analysis of the implications of the lawsuit on both Drake's career and the broader music landscape.

---

Drake's Lawsuit Against UMG and Spotify

Overview of the Lawsuit:

At approximately [02:37], Charlamagne Tha God introduces the central topic by labeling Drake as the "Donkey of the Day." He explains that Drake, through his company Frozen Moments LLC, has filed a petition in the New York Supreme Court alleging that UMG and Spotify engaged in deceitful practices to artificially inflate the streams of Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us." Additionally, Drake claims defamation, asserting that UMG could have prevented the release of "Not Like Us," which he describes as a song that falsely accuses him of being a sex offender.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Charlamagne's Prediction and Analysis ([04:14] - [08:40]):

   • Charlamagne reveals that he had anticipated Drake's lawsuit, suggesting that Drake would not tolerate defamatory accusations without legal recourse.
   • He criticizes Drake for allegedly misunderstanding cultural dynamics, particularly in the context of "Not Like Us" being a cultural phenomenon that cannot be artificially created or sustained through mere financial investment.
   • Charlamagne compares Drake's situation to Michael Jackson's battles in the music industry, emphasizing the complexities of artist-label relationships.

2. DJ Envy's Contributions ([08:40] - [12:33]):

   • DJ Envy echoes Charlamagne's sentiments, highlighting Drake's reliance on legal action rather than artistic responses to competition.
   • He points out the irony of Drake suing for defamation while himself being embroiled in controversies that could be seen as defamatory.
   • Envy questions Spotify's role in the lawsuit, seeking clarity on their involvement and the specific grievances Drake has against the platform.

Notable Quotes:

• Charlamagne Tha God ([02:37], [04:14]):

  • "Drake is proving without a shadow of a doubt that he simply doesn't understand culture."
  • "You can't buy culture. Drake's 'Not Like Us' was a cultural identifier for a whole coast."

• DJ Envy ([08:40], [09:02]):

  • "You could have gone in the studio and given us a bop. You chose to get the lawyers because you lost the squabble."
  • "Drake is taking a stand for the art and the artists."

---

Impact on the Music Industry

The hosts discuss the broader implications of Drake's lawsuit on the music industry, particularly focusing on the relationship between artists and their labels. They explore how allegations of artificially inflated streams could influence future collaborations and contracts within the industry. The conversation also touches upon the role of streaming platforms like Spotify in shaping music trends and artist success.

Key Points:

• Cultural Phenomenon vs. Artificial Promotion:

  • The hosts debate whether the success of "Not Like Us" is a result of genuine cultural resonance or manipulative promotional tactics by UMG and Spotify.

• Artist Autonomy and Label Influence:

  • The discussion delves into the power dynamics between artists and their labels, questioning the extent to which labels can influence an artist's success and public image.

• Legal Precedents and Future Cases:

  • Charlamagne and DJ Envy speculate on how this lawsuit might set precedents for future legal actions within the music industry, potentially empowering artists to challenge their labels more aggressively.

---

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating their skepticism towards Drake's motives and the validity of his claims. They emphasize the complexity of the situation and the need for a nuanced understanding of both the legal and cultural dimensions involved. While recognizing Drake's influence and success, they caution against hastily judging his actions without considering the broader context of his career and the industry's inner workings.

Final Quotes:

• Charlamagne Tha God ([12:33]):

  • "Not like us was a cultural phenomenon. Records like that are rare."

• DJ Envy ([12:37]):

  • "Donkey of the Day is sponsored by renowned personal injury attorney Michael the Bull Lammingsoft."

---

Key Takeaways

• Drake's Legal Maneuver:

  • Drake's lawsuit against UMG and Spotify centers on allegations of defamation and manipulation of streaming numbers to favor Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us."

• Hosts' Critique:

  • Both hosts criticize Drake for what they perceive as a lack of understanding of cultural dynamics and question the authenticity of his claims.

• Industry Implications:

  • The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between artists and their labels, raising questions about the integrity of streaming metrics and the potential for future legal disputes.

• Cultural Significance:

  • "Not Like Us" is portrayed as a significant cultural milestone, challenging the notion that its success could be manufactured through artificial means.

This episode of The Breakfast Club offers a critical examination of Drake's legal actions, blending sharp commentary with insightful analysis to explore the complexities of artist-label relationships and the true drivers of cultural phenomena in the music industry.

Transcript

[A]

The holidays are in full swing at Home Depot. If you want to make the most of your time with your family, they have everything you need like the KitchenAid Artisan Serious Stand Mixer with 10 speeds and a 5 quart bowl that can whip up a 9, yes, 9 dozen cookie at once. That helps me out. You know I got 6 kids so I need more than 9 cookies but plenty for everyone, even the big guy. Get a gift. The whole family can gather around. Enjoy up to 40% off select furniture, decor and kitchen essentials at the Home Depot. Shop now@home depot.com Life is an act of constant reinvention. That's true for you and for cars. Nissan Reimagined the all new Kicks around you. The Bose Personal plus sound system with speakers in the headrest keeps you in the groove while The Nissan Safety Shield360 technologies keep you safe. If Nissan reinvented the Kicks, you can reinvent yourself. Drive the all new reimagined Nissan Kicks.

[B]

Today Available Features Compatible device service and consumer activation of Nissan Connect Services package Required Use only when safe and legal. Subject to third party service availability. For more information, see nissanusa.com connect legal Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Link. Intelligent All Wheel drive cannot prevent collisions or provide enhanced traction in all conditions. Always monitor traffic and weather conditions. Taking control of your career is empowering. Just don't tell my boss I said that. Building a career isn't just about a job, it's about creating a path that impacts our community and future generations. Whether you're starting out or making big moves, State Farm is here to support you with resources to help protect what you're working hard to achieve. They've got your back every step of the way because like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Find out [e-mail] what's it like to.

[A]

Get the new iPhone 16 Pro with at and T Next up Anytime? It's like when you first light up the grill and think of all the mouth watering possibilities. Learn how to get the new iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence on AT and T and the latest iPhone everywhere with AT&T's next up anytime. ATT connecting changes everything. Apple Intelligence coming fall 2024 with Siri and device language to set us English. Some features and languages will be coming over the next year. $0 offer may be not available on future iPhones. Next up Anytime feature may be discontinued at any time, subject to change. Additional fees. Terms and restrictions apply. Catt.com iPhone for details.

[C]

You could sit there and listen to ads or you could take a moment to have a Diet Coke break. First, grab a chilled Diet Coke because if you want it to be perfect, it needs to be crispy. Next, get a big cup of ice because everyone knows Diet Coke is best served swimming in ice. Then sip it slowly, feel that burn and enjoy your break for as long as possible. When you need a break, don't forget to grab an ice cold Diet Coke and take a Diet Coke break.

[B]

Damn the Hee Haw again. It's time for Donkey of the Day. I ain't trying to be donkey today no more. They should be embarrassed by what they already did. I'm not making these people do these things called Donkey of the Day and.

[A]

It really caught me off guard.

[B]

Damn Charlamagne.

[A]

Who got the Donkey of the Day today?

[B]

Well, just hilarious. Donkey of the day for Monday, December 2nd goes to Aubrey Drake Graham. We was on vacation all last week, so I didn't get the opportunity to properly give Drake the credit he deserves for being stupid. But if you haven't heard, last week Frozen Moments llc, a company managed by Drake, filed a petition in the New York Supreme Court accusing UMG and Spotify of engaging in a scheme to ensure Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us broke through on multiple screaming platforms. According to the petition, Aubrey Graham claimed the label used dishonest tactics to increase the number of listeners for Not Like Us on Spotify and radio stations. He also filed another petition against umg, alleging defamation and claiming that the label could have stopped the release of Not Like Us, which the rapper said in the document is a song falsely accusing him of being a sex offender. Go to ABC News for the report, please.

[A]

Drake is filing a petition against Universal Music Group and Spotify, accusing the companies of, quote, artificially inflating the spread of Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar. In the New York court filing, Drake alleges UMG and Spotify quote, deceived consumers into believing the song was more popular than it was, manipulating the streaming services to make the song go viral. UMG released a statement saying in part, the suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue.

[B]

Now, I told y'all back in May on my Brilliant Idiots podcast. I might have even said it here on Breakfast Club. I don't remember. But I told y'all Drake was gonna file a lawsuit. I told you Drake was gonna sue. He is a multi billion dollar entity. No multibillion dollar entity is gonna allow you to call him a pedophile or a sex offender and not take some sort of Legal action. But here's the thing. The person who has the real defamation case in this situation is Kendrick's woman. Because Drake not only said Kendrick was beating on her, he said that Dave Free, Kendrick's business partner and friend, was the real father to one of Kendrick' So if you're going to accuse somebody of defamation, you must first make sure you, too, aren't guilty of defamation, okay? Drake saying that Kendrick defamed him is indeed the pot calling the kettle beige. But that's not even why I'm giving him Donkey of the Day, okay? I'm giving him Donkey of the Day because Drake is proving without a shadow of a doubt that he simply doesn't understand culture. I used to debate with my man Glasses Malone, drop on the KLUZ bombs for Glasses Malone. You can listen to his no Sealers podcast on the Black Effect iHeartradio podcast network. I used to debate with Go Glasses when he would say things like, drake isn't hip hop. He would say, drake is not culture. Glasses would actually say, drake is Madonna. He's pop. He's manufactured. And, you know, after this lawsuit, I have to say I agree, because Drake doesn't understand how any of this works. Number one, Not Like Us was very popular, okay? It's still very popular. It was an instant smash. All right? Not Like Us isn't just a hit record. It's a rare cultural phenomenon. Records like that don't come along too often. Records like that can't be programmed. I don't care how much money you spend at radio or on playlists, whatever it is, when something is a cultural phenomenon, you can't buy that, okay? You can't buy culture. Drake Not Like Us was a cultural identifier for a whole coast. I wouldn't be surprised if California made the state model they Not Like Us one day. Right now, their state model is Eureka. So they need an upgrade, okay? And they Not Like Us would absolutely be a better model. But that's what Drake doesn't understand, because Drake is absolutely one of the biggest artists in the world, okay? He has a cult like following. Not just a cult like following. He has some of the most loyal D Riders on the planet. In fact, drop on the Clues bombs for Drake's D Riders. There are people amongst us who sit on Drake's penis the way Drake was sitting on the CN Tower on the Views album cover, okay? But even with Drake's huge fan base, don't think for one second whatever the label UMG was doing to promote, you know, Not Like Us they were doing the same thing for you your whole career, okay? If one of those diss records you put out would have taken off and been a cultural phenomenon like Not Like Us, the record label would have pushed that too. How would. How would you be clowning Kendrick right now if Kendrick said, you know, umg, you didn't have to let Drake put that record out, accusing me of beating my lady. You didn't have to let Drake put that record out, saying, my, my child isn't really mine. I'm trying to get you to see why you look like a complete and total sucker, Drake, okay? Not to mention, once again, you are a huge artist. But don't believe your own hype too much, because those same tricks you are accusing UMG of doing but not like us, they have done for you your whole career. There was a time when Drake was on the COVID of every playlist on the browser page of Spotify, okay? They did it with Apple, too. I think it was called Scorpion Season or something like that. And he took over multiple playlists on the same day. All I'm saying, Aubrey, is stop acting like you haven't been the beneficiary of record label Tricknology, okay? You being a ho ho simply because you lost, simply because Kendrick Lamar kicked your ass lyrically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. And anybody acting like this is anything more than Drake's feelings being hurt. You a ho too. A OV ho, to be exact. Okay? He's fighting the same war that Michael Jackson fought. Drake is taking a stand for the art and the artists. People who are running with that narrative would hold Drake's penis while he pees and shake it for him when he's finished, okay? Drake has been handling this terribly since Not Like Us dropped. And please, let's keep this in mind. Drake, you're in this position because you tapped out, okay? You chose to tap out after you heard Not Like Us. Kendrick dropped too much tune for your head top, okay? He gave you Euphoria 616 in LA, meet the grams. And Not Like Us, it was too much for you because you didn't have to tap out after the Hard Part six.

[A]

You.

[B]

You could have went in the studio and gave us a bop. You, the bop guy, you could have got with some ghost Riders, went in the studio and wrote a hit to combat Not Like Us, but you chose not to. You tapped out, Kendrick won, and he told you to squabble up, not lawyer up, but you chose to get the lawyers because you lost the squabble. Please give Aubrey Drake Graham the sweet sounds of the Hamiltons.

[A]

You are the donkey of the day. You are the donkey of the day.

[B]

Ye ha. And I'm gonna tell Drake exactly, you know what I've been telling him since the summer. Take a break, go away. Let nostalgia bring you back. People will miss you. You see what J. Cole is doing? People don't even care he tapped out of the rap battle anymore.

[A]

Hell yeah.

[B]

You know what I'm saying? Because he taking folks down memory lane with the audio scripted he's doing. He got the 10 year anniversary of Forest Hill drives coming in a couple of weeks.

[A]

Yeah. Just announced Dreamville.

[B]

Just announced Dreamville Fest. Like yo, people will. Nostalgia will bring you back. You have that much history in the game, Drake. But right now you need to take a break. Cause this Kendrick title wave ain't stopping no time soon. What was Michael Jackson fighting for?

[A]

Oh, they said they were taking Michael Jackson down because he owned all the catalog.

[B]

He owned half of Sony ATVs publishing. Yeah. So they said he owned like damn near half of all the publishing in the music industry.

[A]

So they said they were taking him down.

[B]

And that I believe though. Yeah, that's the only issue.

[A]

And touching boys because of that.

[B]

Yeah, I remember.

[A]

Oh wow. That's why I remember all that. But okay. All right, well let's open up the phone lines. What's your thoughts? 800-585-1051. Do you believe this lawsuit is warranted now? The lawsuit is not going at Kendrick is going at umg.

[B]

Oh please.

[A]

And what he's saying, that's like shooting.

[B]

Up a building, knowing Kendrick in there, but saying, I wasn't shooting at Kendrick, I was just shooting up the building.

[A]

And what he's saying is that he's in renegotiation contract and. And they are trying to pretty much.

[B]

I haven't heard him say this. Is this. Because this sounds like what the ob holes are saying. It's like this was. This would have sound like all you Drake stands are saying that he's in the middle of negotiations.

[A]

Believe that he's in the middle of negotiations.

[B]

Are these sources beige?

[A]

I don't know.

[B]

Allegedly.

[A]

Sources say that he's in negotiation of a new contract and that he believes that they are trying to hurt negotiation skills by calling him a pedophile and saying all these things that aren't true. So he is suing. So let's open up the phone lines and say what's your thoughts? 800-585-1051. He's suing UMG and Spotify and Spotify. So we ask him, what's your thoughts?

[B]

Let's discuss what Spotify got to do with this. Like, like, seriously, what does Spotify have?

[A]

I think the Spotify thing was when you say certified lover boy and it goes right, Everything goes to K. What.

[B]

It does for any. Any song.

[A]

Why you arguing with me?

[B]

If you say key words that are.

[A]

In a record just cause you like irritating.

[B]

I don't know.

[A]

See, I'm trying to, you know, give people a thing when they can call up here, give them all both sides. 800-585-1051. And they're saying not only because of that, also because of the streams as well.

[B]

What screams.

[A]

I guess they're saying they're patting the streams.

[B]

Not like us is a culture. Why you arguing with me?

[A]

I'm just telling people so they get both sides.

[B]

I'm not arguing. I'm saying not like us was a cultural phenomenon. Like records like that are rare. That's like woomp dead is, bro. Like what else? Like that. Like that. It was a cultural phenomenon.

[A]

Hip hop parade.

[B]

So then if hip hop. I don't know if hip hop.

[A]

And Ray was there in the club.

[B]

In the club. Oh no, bro, I don't think so.

[A]

Either way, back that ass up. Swag surfing.

[B]

Back that ass up.

[A]

Knuck if you buck.

[B]

No, but don't. No, not like. Not like us.

[A]

Swag surfing.

[B]

No.

[A]

Hell yeah.

[B]

No, no.

[A]

Taylor Swift was doing the swag surf at the what?

[B]

Yeah. 20 years later.

[A]

Still. It's still here.

[B]

No, it's not.

[A]

It's still here. All right, well, let's open up the phone lines. Get your thoughts. It's the Breakfast Club. Good morning.

[B]

Donkey of the Day is sponsored by renowned personal injury attorney Michael the Bull Lammingsoft. Don't be a donkey when you need a fighter on your side. If you're ever injured, go to michaelthebull.com that's michaeltebull.com and when you mess with the bull, you get the horns. Wake that ass up early in the morning. The Breakfast Club. The holidays are here. It's that time of year to think about, yes, gifts, but not only gifts. It's the guests, the party planning and the true meaning of the season. Spending time with family and friends. We know it's a lot, but we're here to ease your mind and share some tips. So we'll make it through together. With the season getting underway, now is the time to shop early for amazing holiday deals at Amazon. Amazon has a wide selection for all your holiday needs. I don't care if you want to get your people's laptops, gaming screens, whatever it is they need. Amazon got it. And please remember Amazon Cyber Monday deals are here with deals up to 40% off. Shop cyber Monday deals now on Amazon and visit Amazon.comblackffectpodcast for my favorite picks. Peace to the planet. I go by the name of Charlamagne Tha God and I want to introduce you to UberTeen accounts, a connected account for your teen with trackable trips and highly rated drivers. Now I am the father of a 16 year old daughter so I need things like Uber Teen. Okay? Your teen can feel a sense of independence and you can feel a sense of relief. You can follow their entire ride on a live tracking map. Perfect for those times when you want to be there but can't. When your teen requests a trip, they are matched with highly rated and experienced drivers and you receive real time notifications. Every trip comes with enhanced safety features, pin verification to ensure your teen enters the right vehicle. Live trip tracking for parents plus you the parent can contact the driver directly from the app. Add your teen to your account today. Available in select locations. See app for details.

[A]

The holidays are in full swing at Home Depot. If you want to make the most of your time with your family, they have everything you need like the KitchenAid Artisan Cereal Stand Mixer with 10 speeds and a 5 quart bowl that can whip up a 9 yes 9 dozen cookie at once. That helps me out. You know I got 6 kids so I need more than 9 cookies but plenty for everyone. Even the big guy. Get a gift. The whole family can gather around. Enjoy up to 40% off select furniture, decor and kitchen essentials at the Home Depot shop. Now@home depot.com what's it like to get the new iPhone 16 Pro with AT&T next up anytime. It's like when you first light up the grill and think of all the mouth watering possibilities. Learn how to get the new iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence on AT&T and the latest iPhone everywhere with AT and T's Next up Anytime ATT Connecting changes everything. Apple intelligence coming fall 2024 with Siri and device language to set US English. Some features and languages will be coming over the next year. $0 offer may be not available on future iPhones. Next up Anytime feature may be discontinued at any time, subject to change additional fees. Terms and restrictions apply. See att.com iPhone for details.

[C]

You could sit there and listen to ads or you could take a moment to have a Diet Coke break First, grab a chilled Diet Coke because if you want it to be perfect, it needs to be crispy. Next, get a big cup of ice because everyone knows Diet Coke is best served swimming in ice. Then sip it slowly, feel that burn, and enjoy your break for as long as possible. When you need a break, don't forget to grab an ice cold Diet Coke and take a Diet Coke break.