Case One: Lil
Wayne and Cash Money Records
Over the last
five years Lil Wayne and Cash Money have been sued by several producers. In
2007, Lil Wayne released his high-anticipated album The Cater III. The album
sold a recorded breaking 1.1 million records in the first week. Lil Wayne and
Cash Money worked with many producers. Firstly, super producer Jim Jonsin sued
Lil Wayne for $500,000 for unpaid royalties. According to the producer song he
produced “Lollipop” “he said it’s one the biggest single Lil Wayne ever had.”
“He claims he’s yet to receive a royalty check from the single.” Secondly, “Lil
Wayne was sued for $2.5 million for copyright infringement over his single,
“Mrs. Officer.” The producer indicated he stop receiving royalties after a
period of time. Lastly, Cash Money Records in 2008, the “company was sued by
Karma Ann Swanepoel and her publishing company over samples used on Lil Wayne
track “Dying.” All lawsuits at this time were settled out of court for a undisclosed
amount of cash. I feel that Cash Money Records has a reputation for keeping
money from artists and now producers. The bad business surrounding the Hot Boyz
is direct result of Brian Williams the CEO of Cash Money failing to pay proper
royalties. Lastly, I think Lil Wayne and Cash Money learned a lesson pay people
for their services and your business reputation will be positive.
Case Two: Real
Rick Ross versus The rapper Rick Ross (Lawsuit)
Real Rick Ross
Pofile:
Ricky Donnell
Ross is better known as “Freeway” Rick Ross a drug kingpin who sold tons of
cocaine in Los Angeles area during 1980’s, and made more than $600 millions
dollars during his time in the streets.
Rick Ross the
rapper made his debut in the music industry on August 2006 with catchy single
“Hustlin” and followed up with next single “Push It”. Rick Ross first album
“Port of Miami” received Gold certification from the R.I.A.A. in November 8,
2006. “He came up with stage from drug kingpin “Freeway” Rick Ross to whom he
had no connection.”
The lawsuit
against rapper Rick Ross came from the Real Rick Ross. The original Rick Ross
filed lawsuit against the rapper for using his name. “Freeway Ricky filed
copyright infringement lawsuit in the State of California on June 18, 2010.”
The case was dismissed on July 3, 2010. Real Rick re-filed his case in
California Superior Court and Los Angles Superior Court with no success. The
case currently dismissed but Freeway Rick Ross claims he will continue fight
for his rights.
I think this
case is sort of childish on the part of Ricky Donnell Ross. The name was your
nickname for being a drug trafficker. I feel all Americans have the right to
establish any nickname he/she wants to have. I really don’t believe having a
certain nickname will generate you income based on your name. Rick Ross built
his career on hard work and making good music for his fans they can care less
about his name.
Case Three: Jim
Jones sued for track with Ashanti
This case is
about Producer Christopher R. Liggo he is suing Jim Jones for sampling Liggo’s
song without permission. In the case of rapper Jim Jones he allegedly layered
artists Ashanti vocals on his song “Changing The Locks.” Mr. Liggo pursued the suit and is seeking
over $300,000 dollars for copyrighted sound recording, court fees, and lawyer
fees.
Jim Jones has
been in the music industry for over 10 years so there is no excuses. The
reality is most rappers fall victim to having the wrong representation. Many
hip-hop artists have personal assistants or lawyers who direct their careers in
the wrong direction. I feel that it’s the responsibility of the artist camp to
give the artist’s good sound advice. However, the artist must lead by example
and follow directions given as well.
