UPDATE: Canadian rapper Drake has ignited a firestorm on social media by dubbing Spotify as “Botify” during a live stream with fellow artist BenDaDonn. This offhand comment has sparked discussions about the integrity of streaming platforms and their influence on artist popularity.
During the live session, Drake reacted to BenDaDonn’s suggestion of “motivational background music” with a quip that has since gone viral: “You know what they don’t. But I guarantee that they…I can play it on Botify real quick.” This playful jab at Spotify comes amid serious allegations Drake has previously made regarding the streaming giant’s practices.
Just last year, Drake accused Universal Music Group (UMG) of artificially inflating the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” aimed directly at him. In a petition filed in a Manhattan court, Drake claimed that UMG and Spotify were involved in a scheme to boost the track’s visibility through questionable means, including using “bots” to create a false impression of its popularity.
“Drake is accusing UMG of engaging in conduct designed to artificially inflate the popularity of ‘Not Like Us,’ including by licensing the song at drastically reduced rates to Spotify,” reported Variety.
As of now, Drake ranks as the second most-streamed artist on Spotify for 2025, while Lamar stands fourth, according to Spotify Wrapped 2025. This juxtaposition raises questions about the impact of streaming practices on artist rankings.
In October 2023, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas dismissed Drake’s lawsuit against UMG, a significant setback for the artist. However, Spotify has taken steps to address these concerns, with a spokesperson stating that the platform “in no way benefits from the industry-wide challenge of artificial streaming.” They emphasized their commitment to combating fraudulent streaming practices.
Drake’s comments during the live stream, coupled with his ongoing legal battles, underscore the complexities artists face in the digital age. As streaming services continue to dominate the music industry, the implications of these allegations resonate deeply with fans and industry insiders alike.
As this story develops, fans and industry analysts are keenly watching how Drake’s remarks will affect his relationship with Spotify and the broader implications for the streaming landscape. The debate over the authenticity of music consumption is more relevant than ever.
For now, Drake’s playful jab at Spotify may serve as a catalyst for further scrutiny of streaming practices, making it a must-follow story for fans and industry stakeholders alike.