Although Ghostface Killah‘s wallet has been long known to be bulletproof, it soon may prove to be less resiliant to the power of the law. The Wu-Tang Clan swordsman is now the latest victim of sampling laws for the unauthorized use of a sample on his 2000 album Supreme Clientele.
According to a recent article from AllHipHop, composer Jaques “Jack” Urbont is suing Ghostdini for the illegal use of a sample from his copyrighted theme music to the 1966 television cartoon “Iron Man.” The music, to which Urbont owns the exclusive rights, was sampled throughout Supreme Clientele without being cleared by the label or properly credited in the album’s liner notes.
“The defendants fraudulently concealed their use of the ‘Iron Man Theme’ on Supreme Clientele,” the lawsuit says. “For instance, the liner notes of Supreme Clientele do not give any indication that Urbont’s sound recording or compositions are contained on the album…Urbont is over 80 years old and would not normally encounter the defendants rap music in the ordinary course of his dealings in the music industry or otherwise.”
The suit also claims that Ghostface’s use of the monikers Ironman and Tony Starks has helped him reap commercial benefits by associating him with the popular Marvel comic book character of the same name. Ghost first began using these nicknames on fellow Wu brethren Raekwon’s 1995 debut Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. He even appeared in a deleted scene from the 2008 film adaptation of Iron Man, starring Robert Downey, Jr.
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The suit also names the RZA and the Wu’s former label Razor Sharp Records, claiming that the three parties profited from the use of sample. Urbont, who has composed a number of themes for TV shows like “That 70’s Show” and “The Hulk,” is seeking millions of dollars in damages.
Ghost is reportedly working on the sequel to Supreme Clientele, due out sometime next year.
A copy of the suit can be found at can be found at AllHipHop. DX will keep you updated on the matter as more information comes to light.
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