fbpx
Now Reading
Nicki Minaj Agrees to Pay $450,000 in Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

Nicki Minaj Agrees to Pay $450,000 in Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

Nicki Minaj Agrees to Pay $450,000 in Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

Nicki Minaj reaches a deal in a copyright infringement lawsuit with Tracy Chapman.  The copyright lawsuit that began back in 2018 over Minaj’s sampling of Chapman’s 1988 song “Baby Can I Hold You” in her leaked track “Sorry.”

Reports filed in California federal court this week states Chapman and her team have accepted a $450,000 offer! The amount came from the female rapper’s team back in December of last year.

When reached by Pitchfork for comment, an attorney for Nicki Minaj stated: “We settled for one reason only. It would have cost us more to go to trial.”

A representative for Chapman sent Pitchfork the following statement from the singer-songwriter:

I am glad to have this matter resolved and grateful for this legal outcome which affirms that artists’ rights are protected by law and should be respected by other artists. I was asked in this situation numerous times for permission to use my song; in each instance, politely and in a timely manner, I unequivocally said no. Apparently Ms. Minaj chose not to hear and used my composition despite my clear and express intentions. As a songwriter and an independent publisher, I have been known to be protective of my work. I have never authorized the use of my songs for samples or requested a sample. This lawsuit was a last resort—pursued in an effort to defend myself and my work and to seek protection for the creative enterprise and expression of songwriters and independent publishers like myself.

[Queens Rapper to Sue Nicki Minaj for $200M Over ‘Rich Sex’ Record]

Before the deal, Nick had denied that the song “Sorry” infringed upon Chapman’s song. Agents of Minaj repeatedly denied as well, citing a blanket policy she has against such licensing. However, Chapmans’ music is listed on the  ‘do not sample list’, as well as other artists.

“Sorry” has since been dropped from Minaj’s “Queen” album. However, a copy of the track DJ Flex, a New York radio personality, played it on the air. Later on, portions of the song have aired on The Breakfast Club, and it’s since become widely available online. Chapman made accusations that Minaj gave DJ Flex with the track. Adding to the allegations, the Pink Friday artist and Flex have both denied it come from her or her representatives.

 

 

What's Your Reaction?
Excited
0
Happy
0
In Love
0
Not Sure
0
Silly
0