Rapper Sues Spotify, Claims Human Streaming of Drake is Impossible

In a controversial legal challenge, a rapper has filed a lawsuit against Spotify, claiming that the streaming giant allows rampant fraud linked to artificial streaming. The lawsuit highlights concerns over the integrity of streaming data, particularly regarding popular artist Drake.

Allegations Against Spotify

The rapper, identified as RBX, alleges that Spotify fails to adequately combat streaming fraud. RBX argues that the platform’s measures are insufficient and that fraudulent activities are deliberately overlooked.

Fraudulent Streaming Practices

According to RBX, some “Bot Vendors” create artificial streams by mimicking human behavior. These bots often use virtual private networks (VPNs) to disguise their actual locations. RBX asserts that Spotify could significantly improve its detection of these malicious activities with better diligence.

Example of Stream Manipulation

• During a four-day period in 2024, over 250,000 streams of Drake’s song “No Face” appeared to originate from Turkey.
• These streams were supposedly misattributed to the United Kingdom through coordinated VPN usage.
• A significant number of accounts streaming Drake’s music were found concentrated in locations with populations too small to support such high streaming volumes.
• In some instances, more than 100 million suspicious streams came from areas without residential addresses.
• Approximately 10 percent of Drake’s streams are linked to users whose data indicated extreme travel patterns, moving over 15,000 kilometers in a month.

Concerns Over Account Accessibility

RBX contends that Spotify’s policy of allowing free, ad-supported accounts without credit card verification contributes to the issue. By maintaining this practice, the lawsuit claims that Spotify has a vested interest in ignoring the problem of streaming fraud.

Response from Spotify

In light of the allegations, a Spotify spokesperson stated that the company is committed to fighting streaming fraud. They emphasized investments made in systems to enhance their fraud detection capabilities and uphold artist payouts. Spotify claims to actively remove fake streams and impose penalties on offenders.

As the lawsuit unfolds, the implications for both Spotify and artists may be significant, raising questions about the accuracy of streaming metrics and the protection of artists’ rights in the digital landscape.