Universal Music Group (UMG) is teaming up with SendOwl, an e-commerce platform, to sell digital products and directly report sales through its own online stores. However, the move is already sparking controversy within the music industry, as many fear it could lead to manipulated sales numbers.
According to Kurrco, concerns have emerged regarding the credibility and transparency of UMG’s reported sales figures. When DJ Akademiks shared the news on Instagram, music fans quickly expressed skepticism.
”‘Here’s our sales. Trust us’ smh the UMG sales boutta be absurd.”
Others linked the development to Drake’s ongoing lawsuit against UMG, where the rapper accuses the label of manipulating sales and streaming numbers to benefit Kendrick Lamar.
“Once Drake wins this lawsuit, all y’all siding with Lucian stay on that side,” one user commented.
“Why do y’all think ANY company would be honest about their sales? Record label or not,”another added.
Drake vs. UMG: Allegations of Sales Manipulation
Drake has accused UMG of artificially inflating the success of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” to damage his brand during contract negotiations. He claims that UMG boosted the song’s numbers in a deliberate effort to weaken his bargaining power.
In a recent court filing, Drake’s lawyers emphasized the defamatory nature of Lamar’s lyrics, particularly those implying he is a “pedophile.”
“UMG completely ignores the complaint’s allegations that millions of people, all over the world, did understand the defamatory material as a factual assertion that plaintiff is a pedophile,” the filing states.
UMG has dismissed Drake’s lawsuit as “meritless,” urging the court to throw it out.
“Instead of accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be, he has sued his own record label in a misguided attempt to salve his wounds,” UMG wrote in a motion to dismiss.
What’s Next for UMG and Drake?
With UMG’s new direct sales system under scrutiny and Drake’s lawsuit gaining traction, the debate over industry transparency and sales manipulation is far from over. Many believe this move could give record labels even more control over streaming and sales figures, raising concerns about fair competition and credibility in the music business.
