Cash Money records is, once again, under fire for not paying royalties.
According to Courthouse News Service via Soul Culture, music giant EMI is suing Cash Money because the label simply ceased quarterly royalty payments they had agreed to make as part of a 2009 settlement between the parties.
Cash Money allegedly owes $491,000 in royalties for samples from EMI’s catalog.
“Because Defendant has ignored numerous communications from EMI regarding Defendant’s contractual obligations, EMI once more is being forced to commence a lawsuit against Defendant to recover royalty payments,” states the complaint. “The sales of Defendant’s products have far exceeded the payments that EMI has received.”
“It is clear from Defendant’s conduct that it has no intention of honoring the Agreement.”
The turn of events is somewhat less than shocking, as the house that Slim and Birdman built has been a near-constant target for lawsuits over the past several years. Plaintiffs in previous cases have included Bangladesh, producer T-Mix, Done Deal Enterprises, producer David Kirkwood, Bridgeport Music, “Lollipop” producer Deezle, and many, many more. Also of note are high-profile controversies with Mannie Fresh and Wendy Day over money.
[March 17]
UPDATE: According to Billboard.biz, EMI has settled its lawsuit with Cash Money Records for unpaid royalties in connection with Lil Wayne’s The Carter III. “Cash Money Records and EMI Music Publishing have amicably settled EMI’s recent lawsuit and their financial disputes on various record releases. The companies look forward to working together on future projects,” said both companies in a joint statement.
RELATED: Mystikal Announces Album Title For Cash Money Records Debut
Mannie fresh looks like a super mario toad mixed with a chinese black man.
Look at birdman’s ugly ass brother standing behind him. That nigga look like a new orleans drug dealer mixed with the loch ness sea monster
Yoooo you a fool for the shit you said about Mannie Fresh rofl.
LOL lochness sea monster you killin me
Thats funny and all I guess but what the fuck does that have to do with article. What are you like 12 years old or something.
hes talkin bout the pic at the top of the article
ITS STRAIGHT WE STILL ON TOP. WE STILL SUCKIN DICK. AND WE STILL PUTTING ALL THAT ROYALTY MONEY ON THE RADIO. MMG OVOXO YMCMB
THIS IS A FAKE
I GET RAPED
Same shit different day smdh im still a fan of them though but damn pay what u owe
they talk how much money they have then they look cheap as fuck when shit like this comes out. If your not paying your producers whos gonna make your beats for the 12 year old girls wayne
I hate how arrogant these assholes are(not counting their shitty music, just in general), they don’t pay royalties because they think everyone’s a fan and willing to let them sample whatever, whenever just to support.
There are three things certain in life…death, taxes, and Birdman not paying anybody who works with Cash Money.
LOL—imagine ALL the other Artists, producers, songwriters, beatmakers that they have ripped off… Birdman/Lil Wayne are some devil worshippin niggas!!!!!!!!
Birdman, give back to yo niggas you cocky mothafucka!!!!
Ymcmb are thives never don’t wanna pay nobody.
Lil Wayne is a fake blood on his first album cover he had on a blue rag he is a bi sexual gang member
Not shocking at all. Cash Money spends most of the money they make on chains and cars without paying royalties. Their constant spending and growing debt will undo this label in the future.
i love how the article tries to make it sound as everybody and everyone is trying to sue the fag label because theyre selling now. when reality is if birdmans so fucking rich why cant he pay half a milli it should be pennies to him
itz a lie! YMCMB haterz are liarz. Birdman iz da best boss of all time. he iz an inspiration to me. say what u want but I dont think nobody in history haz pimped da game like Birdman. dat shit Birdman did last yearz waz real shit real niggaz do real thingz class act! all I hear & see iz YMCMB. we in da fuckin buildin. fuck Shady! fucl Roc Nation. swag
NIGGA WHAT WITH THE HATE? YOU CAN DREAM ALL YOU WANT DRAKE NOT GOING ANYWHERE HE SAW WHAT HAPPEN YO JUVIE BG MANNIE FRESH. YOU CANT LEAVE THE FAMR AND STILL EAT LMAOOOOOOOOOO
13 LETTERS YMCMB OVOXO MMG
obviously not since they getting sued
trust me 4 years from now when drakes on another lable, when nikki is washed up, when wayne is trying a new gimmick to appeal to white people,and when theyre money is running low, they are all gonna sue ymcm to get there unpaid royalties….MARK MY WORDS!
And where will you be in 4 years oh wise one?
Tell your bitch ass not to use starch when your washing his clothes…
Surprise, surprise..
$500,000 UM OK LMAOOOOOOOOOOOO EMI YOU HURTIN FAM? THATS WHY BIRDMAN GOT LAWYERS ON RETAINER BUT IF EMI IS HURTIN LIKE THAT WE GOT A DUFFEL BAG FOR EM.
13 LETTERS YMCMB OVOXO MMG
FOR $5 I SUCK THERE DICK
13 LETTERS I GET RAPED SWAG
This cant be right? Is this shit a typo or something?… because Cash Money always handles their business with no cotroversy and no upset parties/groups since it’s arrival about 18 years ago.
Guess there is a first time for everything.
They screw everybody, dont they? getting money from CMB is like getting a feature on Detox..
THEM IS FUCK NIGGA FOR REEAL
your mother and stepfather are fuck nigga……so are you.
Diddy>Birdman
Fuck Cash Money as a Staff, a crew, and a motherfucking label.
And if you wanna be down with Cash Money (So Icy Boi, Yessir, and Ya Dig) Then FUCK YOU TOO!!!!
youre a faggot for even writing this. & I dont even like cash money. idiot.
Why do these foos always owe money to someone, that shit don’t look good. Claiming they have everything, but respect in business man lol all the money they owe they buy cars with. It only makes lil wayne birdman look bad. Baby Money!
When you don’t pay poeople that help you get to your goals, you will start to see those people and others stay away from you and rightfully so.
Fuck Young Gay Cash Money Bullshit
worst group & label of all time
yeah 100Mil $$ Ha!
NOW WE ALL KNOW HOW BIRDSHIT MAKES HIS MONEY THE SAME WAY AS PUFF
THE HATERS COME OUT WHEN THE STORY IS ABOUT YMCMB. SHIT JAY STILL OWE MONEY FOR BIG PIMPIN BUT U NIGGAS DONT WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT. WE TALKING ABOUT A FEW MONTHS NOT GETTING PAID OFF THE SAMPLES OS YOU KNOW BIRDMAN AND SLIM GETTING CRAZY MONEY
13 LETTERS YMCMB OVOXO MMG
ITS CAUSE BIRDMAN SPENDS MONEY ON GAY PROSTITUTES LIKE ME. THEY LOVE TO FOOT THE BILL FOR MY PLANE TICKETS AND HOTEL ROOMS. THEY DONT PAY FOR FAKE ASS STRAIGHT SHIT.
13 LETTERS YMCMB OVOXO MMG
you stupid dude..go read a book!
Com on BirdLady pay your shit!
bird man money… jay was right
lol baby money
Man those guys look like douche bags.. theyll get what they deserve one way or another. i’m still in awe of them actually making any money whatsoever
YMCMB DICKING PEOPLE THAT’S BAD BUSINESS AND AS FAR AS HATE THEY’RE THE BIGGEST HATERS IN THE INDUSTRY BY NOT PAYING THEIR PRODUCERS AND EMI ! THAT DUDE TRYING TO ROB JIGGA IF HAD KNOWLEDGE OF THE ORDEAL JAY OWNS THE SONG HE SUING CAUSE HE SAYS JAY DE MORALIZED THE SONG IT’S HIS UNCLES SONG NOT HIS SEEMS LIKE HE JUST TRYING COME UP !
YESSIR THE PROBLEM IS NOT LEAVING TO EAT IT LEAVING TO LIVE !GOT A DVD WITH WAYNE ON IT HIS CONTRACT WAS UP WITH CASH MONEY HE SAID HE GOT A CALL FROM HIS IDOL GUESS WHO HIS IDOL WAS JIGGA HE THOUGHT ABOUT LEAVING AND SIGNING WITH THE ROC HIS ASS WOULD’VE BEEN FOUND IN LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN !
QUICK QUESTION WHAT LABEL WAYNE SIGNED TO?
QUICK QUESTION HOW MUCH DICK DO I AND YMCMB SUCK?
Ha!! and its EMI. Lets see them get out of this one as opposed to some producer looking to get paid for their work…EMI is an army, better yet the navy…
LMAO
(shaking my head)
What else is new? These niggas are gonna get theirs in the end…literally…when someone finally has it up to here and puts some bullets in their asses…literally and figurately.
And these damn trolls defending them… why? You’re not recognized by them. You’re not a part of their label. Hell they don’t even know you exist. You niggas are some fags. Grow up. Get some pussy. Go read a book other than the comics or a tyler perry novel. Get some enlightenment about yourselves. You niggas are some coward ass cocksuckers. Eat a dick.
So what does that make u, why are u here bashing them and talking shit about them. So y not take your own advice, because I have not seen one YMCMB news article where u don’t leave a comment, nigga looks like your the pussy ass coward who talk shit behind they back.
Some day one them crazy ass niggas that these niggas been rippin off gon run up in there and blow Birdmans noodles out. Every week someone else comin out suin these niggas for not paying. Didnt birdman say he was worth like half a billi. if he was why aint this nigga paying cats. no wonder fresh, juve, bg and all dem left these sheisty ass ghetto niggas. Fuck cash money.
Bawse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ur mentor is like birdman’s errand boy and pays homage to him all the time. Yet u talk shit about ymcmb. U must be some gay. Fuck mmg, fuck ymcmb
Told yall niggas Birdman only had baby money. Niggas dont even got my ladies money.
JAY OWE MONEY FOR BIG PIMPIN STILL LMAO
wow
wow, can’t say i’m surprised
Universal Music Group and Sony Corp. have reached agreements with Citigroup Inc. to buy EMI Group’s music business for a combined $4.1 billion, an 8% premium over Citigroup’s initial minimum asking price.
The dual transaction would split London-based EMI in two, with the company’s recorded music going to Universal for approximately $1.9 billion and the publishing division sold to Sony for $2.2 billion
======================================
Baby and Slim should have known they were going to go over the books.
It’s such a shame that there’s so much misinformation posted on these boards and all of you have a search bar on your web browser. The Williams brothers need to get their act together before the 3 remaining labels turn on them. Drake, Wayne & Nicki can easily be purged from YMCMB from the parent label Universal Music Group and if you’re in disbelief look at what happened to Roc-A-Fella Records.
NIGGA PLEASE NOBODY IS LEAVING YMCMB OVER $500,000. MATTER OF FACT THE CONTRACT WITH UNIVERSAL IS ABOUT UP SO LOOK OUT FOR A HUGE NEW DEAL IN THE NEXT YEAR YMCMB NIGGA
You are responding young one, you are not comprehending and I understand your position. Have a nice day.
@ Yessir. Its funny how you can take a factual statement and make an emotional response to it. If EMI is about to sue Young Money, they are not going to sue just for 500k, they are going to sue them for breach of contract and possible fraud. Now, if the Government wants to get involved, these dudes are done. If you promise to pay people, and you continuously dont, THATS FRAUD. The government can shut them down. The parent labels WILL put the artists out so that they can continue to make money on them.
And all of that is certain, regardless how much YOU like young money lol.
YOU ARE RETARDED IT JUST A REGULAR LAW SUIT ON MONEY OWED THE ONLY THING ELSE THEY WOULD GET WAS INTEREST ON THE MONEY SO LIKE 5 PERCENT AND THEM LAWYER FEES. NOTHING MORE. THIS HAPPENS EVERYDAY IN THE BUSINESS WORLD THEY GOV IS NOT GOING TO DO SHIT OVER HALF A MILLION DOLLARS YOU DUMB SHIT.
Mr Yep understands the ramifications of this. This is not only EMI’s money, this is UMG & Sony’s as well, the reason I posted the information. Mr Yessir is allowed to be a fan, I choose not to dispute his passion.
Wow thats interesting but if Im not mistaking Roc-A-Fella Records ended because Jay and the label made an agreement for Jay to be head of the parent company in return Jay would get to keep his masters which is a huge deal in the music business. If there is more to it then please tell me, im interested to know more.
I see what he means this is not about 500,000 this is about a court ordered 500,000 big difference.
lol at your comment. Nicki, Drake and Wayne are NOT signed to Universal. Cash Moneys distribution deal with Universal is up this year and if they get distribution with another company they take all of their artists with them because their artists are signed to Cash Money and have no contractual obligations to anyone but Cash Money.
Popularity aside, I would think if Cash Money’s distribution deal with Universal is up I’m guessing they will have less leverage with whoever they do business with next. I’m sure whoever decide to work with them will have a contingency plan in the event they have more problem and I’m sure the artist will be on the table.
ITS A DAMN DISTRIBUTION DEAL IS RIGHT WAIT TILL THIS NEXT CHECK UNIVERSAL CUTS TO CASH MONEY LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
BIRDMAN AND SLIM HAVE THE BEST DEAL IN THE HISTORY OF MUSIC AND THEY WILL DO IT AGAIN.
^^^ Thats because Slim and Birdman buy most of the records, lol. It’s EASY to “distribute” records that dont even have to be shipped.
“Put me down for 700,000” – Birdman
Niggas fantasize about the shit that I do daily likeThese rappers rap about all the shit that I do reallyI’m like really half a billi nigga, really you got baby moneyKeep it real with niggas, niggas ain’t got my lady money
“KIDNAP YOUR BITCH GET THAT HOW MUCH YOU LOVE YOUR LADY MONEY”
OH NO RESPONSE THATS RIGHT JAY GOT SCARED OF THE REAL GOONS AND SHUT HIS MOUTH
@BBENT I am well aware of that information. The anonymous comment underneath should have answered your retort. Since we are actually having an intelligent discussion, I would like to present that Drake was astroturfed through YMCMB, and is actually property of Universal Music Group.
===============================
Although he signed directly to his management company with distribution through Young Money/Universal, reps at Motown are requesting all Drake Billboard chart entries be credited to Motown and not Republic moving forward. A source close to Drake says the rapper says that Motown — specifically Rhone — wants to take “credit for anything involving Drake.” Universal says Drake’s deal with Republic was never finalized. Motown may get first dibs on any artist signed to Young Money and Cash Money regardless of the artist’s preference.
In related news, Drake has expressed his problems with Motown via his interview with Fader Magazine. “I went through Universal Republic because I don’t f*ck with Motown,” he explained to the magazine. “At all.” Drake has spoken out about his personal beef with Sylvia Rhone the president of Motown Records and the executive vice president of Universal Records — the parent label to mentor Lil Wayne’s Young Money imprint – on record before.
=======================================
Universal Republic is the same label that released “Distant Relatives” and “WZRD”. Nas and Cudi, both signed with Def Jam and G.O.O.D. Music, are allowed to release projects on another imprint on the parent label Universal. Notice where Drake said he went through UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC. A mere change of cubicles yet working for the same company. Ne-Yo just received the keys to the corner office of Universal that is Motown (Sylvia’s not there anymore, Drake CAN GO THERE NOW), and he was from the Def Jam office of Universal. DJ Khaled went from Def Jam South president to a Cash Money signee. I do not see any coincidence with Wayne questioning his revenue, getting a label imprint, and suddenly a former actor labeled the next big thing in rap falls in his lap. All proper planning courtesy of the parent label.
The statements of the new distribution deal pending give even more credibility to the rumors of Baby purchasing units (why would you sell 2 platinum + albums for 25 cents? makes no sense) to cook the books and make the label worth more than it truly is, hence the signings of Busta Rhymes, Limp Biskit and other so called over the hill acts. Also there is a new sheriff at the helm of Universal Music Group, if he says he’ll take Drake, give Slim, Baby & Wayne 30% to split for executive producer credits for 2 albums then nothing and you get your 300m distribution deal, Baby will take it.
black people……
Allwayz a dumb racist on here the biggest thieves liers and robbers on earth is the white racist devil so shut fuck up trialor trash you broke bitch
Says the anon idiot
You telling me between Birdman, Wayne, Nicki, and Drake. They can’t each pay 125,000 each? I guess they aren’t that rich. hahahaha
i mean….what do you expect….nigga’s got baby money…..
YESSIR, you the same type of joker that was waving your shirt for Petey Pablo. I wish you would meet Bryan Willams, he’d bloody your asshole like your tampon needed changed. YMCM you suck nagger cack
Thief Money Records what up! Can I get a deal
Lame ass bloggers are acting like Cash Money didn’t pay them or something??? smh HAHAH
I mean “What the fuck???” Them niggas aint fuck you over so get over it.
I bet Cash Money pays all the niggas that will shoot for a dollar!!!
Gangstas don’t pay punks OR prey!!! Thats why all these lames are suing!!
DON’T DEAL OR RUN WITH WOLVES IF YOU KNOW YOU AINT BOUT THAT!!!!
lol.you retards need a father figure
YMCMB is going to be the next No Limit Records if they keep this shit up lmao
LOL, what’s new? shit is ridiculous. How many times can you get sued for not paying royalties? smdh.
This fuck face is worth 100 mill and cant pay 500k. He knows that doing this wont make him have “Swag” he’s doing this shit to get attention for YMCMF
This is the exact reason why niggas go BK in the future.
This is why i don’t like YMCMB and it will fall off. Honest business handling always succeeds. Even big corporations bow down to customers and settle. How you not gonna pay producers that define your sound? yall cakin on tour and making shit off the music. Look at puff…no talented person wants to fuck with that nigga. He even had to go on air and beg people to stop saying Bad Boy is a dead label. Jay-Z settles quick and people continue to work with him in all industries. Conduct your business with honesty & integrity, nowdays everyone has a voice and can put your bs on blast!
Co-Sign
YMCMB BEEN AROUND SINCE 1992. YEAH 1992 INDEPENDENT LABEL GETTING MONEY CASH MONEY OUT LASTED EVERYBODY ELSE AND YMCMB IS NOT GOING TO STOP. SLIM AND BABY ARE THE BEST EXECS IN THE HISTORY OF MUSIC. SO WISH DEATH ALL YOU WANT BUT THE HATE JUST BRING MORE SALES
their not independent you idiot , rhymesayers that’s independent and they will fall off
ya until they keep buying cars with money they owe as a business. They are frauds and It’s going to be hilarious when they are broke and have to do reality shows
“YMCMB”‘s only been around since 2004 at the earliest…when Young Money was just an idea.
OLD CASH MONEY >>>>>>>>>> YMCMB
ARE YOU STUPID? CASH MONEY IS YMCMB THE SAME LABEL SLIM AND BIRDAMN ITS JUST BRANDING SO YOUR DUMB ASS FAM WILL BUY MORE SHIT
No Wonder music’s fucked up right now.
go figure
I SUCK DICK AND GET RAPED REPEATEDLY.
I CONTINUE TO SUCK DICK AND GET RAPED REPEATEDLY.
YOU FAKES COME UP WITH TO LITTLE DETAIL I TAKE CUM OVER MY FACE AND GET ASS FUCKED FOR $5. I AM YMCMB SLAVE
The beginning of the end FINALLY!!!!
weezy who fucked baby is lookin like timmy from south park
@YESSIR – GO and suck birdmans dick for a fivER thEn
which he won’t even pay you for lmao
#1 Sunna here. 500k, that shit pocket change to me and my son/boyfriend/lover Weezy. Belee dat
@YESSIR, anybody who comments as much as you do on a single story should serious spend your time reading a book or trying to educate your lame ass. Obama will not save you and neither will baby/wezzy/nikki/ or any other YMCMB. Take care of yourself or suffer in the future. Real Talk
Only GOD CAN SAVE YOU NEVER TRUST A MAN !
Birdman been robbing his artist so long he dont want to pay nobody now where all you fools who he fooled like he honest this homo thug kissing and screwing dudes want you to believe his bullshit ripped the hot boys off ripped mannie fresh off got dumb azz drake ,mystikal , busta big washed up azz and the rest of them fooled
exactly my point
Birdman didn’t get where he is by luck. I’m sure he has plenty of money stashed that he can use to pay off whoever’s got their hand out. It would be easier if they just paid people for their services on the spot, but that’s what rich people do. They make promises, then break them.
Rich people dont do that. You never here Bill Gates or Jay-Z not paying there bills. Only people with new money that doesn’t know how to manage there money.
hahahah, this loser prolly brought jay into this. Seriously, how much can u suck a nigga’s penis? Ol’ dumbass tomato head nigga. HEAR not “here”. THEIR nor “there”. U must be sucking too many dicks and forgot how to spell.
daviddanielz:
Wow thats interesting but if Im not mistaking Roc-A-Fella Records ended because Jay and the label made an agreement for Jay to be head of the parent company in return Jay would get to keep his masters which is a huge deal in the music business. If there is more to it then please tell me, im interested to know more.
====================
Young man, the first you have to ask is how did Jay-Z sell a commodity that was owned by 3 people. The second thing would be why did the other 2 people sign off on the deal. Yet (I replied to the conversation yesterday) KANYE WEST was the artist Universal retained and all other Roc signees under him were tax write offs (i.e. Tru Life, Uncle Murda). All others had to choose which side they were on, and State Property and Diplomats were HOT at this period of time of the breakup. Cam’ron sold Juelz Santana’s contract back to Def Jam, so do not think Baby would not do the same with Drake or Nicki. When Irv had problems look what happened to Ashanti & Lloyd.
And yes, keeping your masters to classics and beautiful art is a plus, yet Lil’ B owns his masters too.
My endorsement this week for MUSIC fans is the Boldy James “CoSIGNMENT” mixtape. Raw raps.
Not that young but thanks for the info.
Interesting topic…
I extend my apologies, was not used in a demeaning manner. Yes it is interesting, information like this puts things into a different perspective.
for a company named cash money they sure cant handle or manage it
Damn shame. Birdman be ballin with other peoples money… Calling it stuntin when it’s really pimpin….
fact is no one in media, music, or even thi site should be shocked by this news. They have a history of this foolishness and like I have heard “a fool and his money will soon be parted”
these cats are fools. this has nothing to do with good music or is wayne is hot or whatever….these cats claim to have so much money but got a serious problem paying artists, producers, etc….
shut down this fucked up label. I was dickridin this label bcuz I was a YMCMB employee. they fired me. fuck that shit!
SHADY x ROC x GOOD x BLACK HIPPIE
good move jag off, “they fired me” sounds more like they found a new young boys asshole to ravage.
Don’t these guys get sued every other week
Those child molesting homos are gonna keep doing the same thing. *drops mic*
It’s easy to manage money when it’s all going into your pocket.
WHAT DID I TELL YOU CLOWNS? NOW WHERE IS THAT LAME WHO WAS CLAIMING CASH MONEY WAS FINISHED AND THAT GOV WAS GOING TO TAKE THE COMPANY? I TOLD YOU 7 DAYS AGO EVERYTHING WOULD BE FINE CHECK THE COMMENTS.
LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
CASH MONEY BEEN HERE SINCE 1992 AND IT AINT GOING NOWHERE A LOT OF PEOPLE LOOKING DUMB FROM THE COMMENTS LAST WEEK JUST LISTEN TO YOUR BOY YESSIR WHEN IT COMES TO YMCMB
13 LETERS OVOXO MMG YMCMB
niggas needa stop fraudin smh
On sum real Shit, the person who makes the beat is responsible to clear the samples before he can sell them. THat is a fact and u can go look that up. So if I buy a beat from u and u didn’t clear the sample Im gonna get sued. So Fuck that I wouldn’t want to pay that fine either. You motherfuckers just act like YMCMB are greedy. When “A MILI” came out, Bangledash sample that one word “AMILLI” from some other track, didn’t tell YMCMB next thing u know the label gets hit with a law suit. Don’t get me wrong the label fucked up to for not researching to make sure there was no samples used, but any good Producer knows we can sample one small piece of a song and transform it to something bigger. So bangledash figured he could sneak one by, look what happened, u could even research Baby interview where he said he wont pay Bangledash for “Amilli” because he didn’t clear the sample.
LOL. You are so wrong. I swear, the hip hop websites comments section is the greatest, especially when ppl wanna talk about business. If an artist purchases your beat most of the time if there is a sample involved it is discussed or it is obvious. People who make beats are not gonna clear a sample for a track that they may or may not sell and major labels or publishers have the budgets to afford and absorb that cost. Producer so and so doesn’t. Think what you want bud but this is my full time job and u don’t know what you’re talking about.
I love how you say FACT too…LOL…couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Send me a link to your work than homie, and I went to school for Audio Engineering Trust I know what I’m talking about, it is illegal to sample a song and make a profit off it with out contacting the owners of 1.Composition and 2. Recording. In other words if u sampled a Al Green track, who ever own the rights to the beat and who ever owns the right to the lyrics have to okay your sample, Producers just think that u can sample and let the label work it out, which in most cases happens, but ends up coming out of their pocket, cuz if a sample clearance cost 25k and the producer charging 50k for a beat than u probably only end up getting 25k for the beat. So if your selling a beat(making Profit) with a song without sample clearance, then by Law is illegal. So I believe I stand correct.