Gospel songwriters are suing Rick Ross, Dr. Dre and Jay-Z over a sample on “3 Kings.” Of course, the lawsuit, which was filed by Clara Shepherd Warrick and Jimmy Lee Weary, also names producer Jake One and Universal Music Group.
Warrick and Weary own the rights to 1976’s “I’m So Grateful (Keep In Touch).” They say that the lawsuit is about more than just the sample but also about how it connects them to a song that is against their values.
“The video includes very graphic depictions of drug use, vulgarity, nudity, gun violence, criminal conduct, actions demeaning to women and many other items that are certainly inconsistent with Plaintiffs’ wishes for how Plaintiffs’ song would be portrayed,” the lawsuit says, according to All Hip Hop.
They even believe that giving Ross a Grammy for his work with the song would cause “irreparable harm” for their brand “worldwide.”
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“Once the Grammy Awards are broadcast, the listeners will be alerted to existence of Plaintiffs song, at which time it will be subjected worldwide to irreparable harm of being linked to defendant’s song.”
Weary is listed on Rick Ross’ album as a writer of the song. However, Weary says he was never contacted for permission. He also says he was not paid for his work. As a result, Warrick and Weary are suing for copyright infringement, unfair trade practices, unfair competition by misappropriation, conversion and unjust enrichment.
“3 Kings” originally made headlines for pairing three of the biggest names in Hip Hop. With Dr. Dre, Jay-Z and Rick Ross on one track, the song generated interest once it was announced. Many other emcees, including Brother Ali, have also remixed the song, which was produced by Jake One.
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