Legendary radio personality Funkmaster Flex is standing by Drake amid his explosive payola accusations against Universal Music Group (UMG). Flex took to X on November 26, declaring, “Drake is 100% right,” and shedding light on alleged pay-for-play practices that he says stifle independent artists.
Flex detailed staggering figures, claiming it costs $350,000 for pop radio play, $250,000 for urban radio, $100,000 for mix shows, and $3,000–$5,000 weekly for local DJs to spin a single song. “This is why independent artists don’t rise to the top!” he emphasized, adding he’s never engaged in such practices.
This comes as Drake’s legal battle with UMG heats up. His Frozen Moments LLC accuses UMG and Spotify of using illegal payola tactics to artificially boost Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us. Drake also alleged defamation and a calculated scheme to harm his brand while driving revenue for UMG.
Flex, a long-standing critic of payola, called it a barrier to authenticity in the music industry, promising to dive deeper on his radio show soon. As the debate unfolds, the spotlight is on payola’s role in shaping the modern music landscape.
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