Funkmaster Flex Backs Drake’s Allegations of Payola and Streaming Manipulation in Legal Battle with UMG
Funkmaster Flex has come out in support of Drake’s explosive legal filings against Universal Music Group (UMG), which accuse the label of engaging in payola—paying radio stations for airplay—and inflating streaming numbers to boost the success of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.” The Hot 97 DJ and radio veteran took to social media to back up Drake’s claims, shedding light on the alleged practices that have long been a subject of controversy in the music industry.
Drake’s legal filings, which sent shockwaves through the music world, include accusations that UMG used pay-for-play schemes to ensure the song received widespread radio airplay. In his filings, Drake claims that the label paid commercial radio stations to play “Not Like Us” without disclosing the financial arrangements. While he has not named specific stations or amounts, one of his motions seeks a deposition from executives at iHeartMedia, the media giant that owns numerous radio stations across the U.S.
In response, Funkmaster Flex voiced his agreement with Drake’s allegations, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “DRAKE IS 100% RIGHT! NATIONAL PLAY! (PER SONG) DRAKE DONT $ FOR PLAY!” Flex further broke down the alleged costs associated with getting airplay on various radio formats, claiming that payment for play can run as high as $350,000 for pop stations, $250,000 for urban stations, and $100,000 for mix shows. He also pointed out that DJs themselves could receive anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per song for their involvement in these deals.
In an Instagram post, Flex continued his all-caps rant, saying, “SOME DJS BEEN TAKING PAYOLA TO PLAY SONGS! I CANT WAIT TO SEE HOW THIS TRICKLES DOWN! DRAKE IS NOT LYING! THERE ARE BACK DOOR ‘DEALS’ UNDER THE TABLE WITH DJS! SHOULD I NAME NAMES? I CAN IF YOU NEED ME TOO?”
Flex emphasized the issue’s importance, calling for an end to the pay-for-play culture that he believes prevents independent artists from rising to the top. “DJS ARE SUPPOSED TO PLAY A SONG BECAUSE ITS HOT! PAY FOR PLAY GOTTA STOP!” he declared, adding that the music industry may try to blackball him for speaking out, but he felt compelled to address the matter.
Drake’s legal claims also allege that UMG’s actions have caused him “economic harm” and defamation, with the rapper citing the song’s false accusation that he is a pedophile. Despite the accusations, UMG has strongly denied the claims, issuing a statement that reads: “The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns.”
While UMG maintains that fans ultimately decide the success of a song, Drake’s legal battle shines a light on the long-standing issues of payola and the growing influence of streaming manipulation in the music industry. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how music is marketed, distributed, and consumed, especially in the era of digital streaming platforms.
As the legal proceedings continue, the controversy surrounding Drake, UMG, and “Not Like Us” is sure to keep the music world buzzing, with many questioning the ethics of the industry’s behind-the-scenes operations.
