Grok verifies to DJ Akademiks that Spotify has adjusted streams for Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Luther’ due to bot usage.
Kendrick Lamar’s "Luther" and Streaming Controversy
Background of the Controversy
Recently, a significant buzz emerged around Kendrick Lamar’s song "Luther," featured on his 2024 album GNX, which also includes a collaboration with SZA. The song, which has been linked to potential botting accusations, received widespread attention after a viral screenshot surfaced on social media platform X. In this exchange, DJ Akademiks questioned an AI chatbot named Grok about Spotify allegedly removing a substantial number of streams due to botting practices.
Botting involves using automated software to artificially inflate a song’s streaming numbers. This practice can lead to misleading metrics about a song’s popularity and commercial performance. According to Grok, Spotify’s fraud detection team acted against Lamar’s song, reducing its streams from approximately 500 million to 282 million.
Details of the Allegation
The AI chatbot Grok asserted that the removal of streams for "Luther" was a direct result of Spotify’s rigorous measures against fake streams. The alleged reduction of 235 million streams came in the wake of a much-publicized Super Bowl performance. However, it is crucial to note that this claim was presented as a speculation rather than confirmed fact.
In a different response to user inquiries, Grok contradicted itself, labeling the botting accusations as "unconfirmed." It suggested that while Spotify’s efforts to eliminate fraudulent streams are aggressive, definitive proof regarding the removal of streams from "Luther" remains absent. Presently, the streaming numbers for "Luther" are reported as over 630 million, indicating that the song still enjoys substantial popularity on Spotify.
Performance on Music Charts
Achievements of "Luther"
Following its release, track "Luther" achieved impressive feats on various music charts. Initially, after Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show with SZA, the song climbed to new heights, taking the crown as the number one song on the Billboard Hot 100. This performance played a crucial role in its resurgence, especially notable for breaking records and making Kendrick Lamar the first rapper with four Billboard Hot 100 number-one hits in just a year.
The context of this release is also essential. Lamar released GNX in November 2024, amid a highly publicized rap feud with fellow artist Drake. The timing and circumstances surrounding this release contributed to the intensity of public interest in not only Lamar’s work but also the discussions about the ethics of streaming practices in the industry.
Drake’s Accusations
This situation has further evolved, as rapper Drake has made allegations that certain companies, including Universal Music Group and Spotify, engaged in collusion to inflate Kendrick Lamar’s streaming numbers for commercial gain. Drake’s claims of “payola” and artificial inflation were part of a petition he filed in 2024, which he later withdrew amid ongoing legal disputes concerning the accusations made in Lamar’s track "Not Like Us."
Drake’s legal actions target Universal’s handling of his image and safety, amidst the intense scrutiny that the feud has generated. As of early 2025, Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group continues, highlighting the broader discussions regarding artist welfare in the competitive music landscape.
Upcoming Collaborations
In light of these controversies and ongoing discussions, both Kendrick Lamar and SZA are set to embark on a joint "Grand National Tour," which will kick off in North America in April 2025, followed by performances across Europe and the United Kingdom in July and August. This collaboration showcases the artists’ ability to thrive in their craft, despite the controversies swirling around them, as they aim to connect with their audience through live performances.
