Justin Timberlake and will.i.am are being sued over the singer’s song “Damn Girl” from the 2006 album, FutureSex/LoveSounds.
According to Billboard, Janis McQuinton, sister of musician Perry Kibble, filed a copyright infringement lawsuit today (February 17) through Kibble’s publishing company. She is claiming that Timberlake stole the hook, rhythm, harmony and melody from Kibble’s 1969 song “A New Day is Here At Last.”
When Kibble died in 1999, the rights to his music transferred to McQuinton.
McQuinton says she discovered the striking similarities in the songs in August and is asking a judge to demand the stop of the reproduction, distribution, and public performance of “Damn Girl.” She is suing not only for the song’s appearance on the album, but also for its inclusion on Timberlake’s “FutureSex/LoveSounds” tour DVD.
will.i.am is a guest feature on “Damn Girl” and is listed as a defendant alongside Timberlake and Sony Music Entertainment in the case.
Another legal battle that Timberlake’s music is facing is a lawsuit filed against Universal Music Group over “Suit and Tie.” Two members of Sly, Slick and Wicked sued the label for not licensing the song for use in a Bud Light commercial.
Both songs in question can be analyzed below.
I swear these dudes have balls just releasing shit that was cleared from the original owner of the song.
smh this is Robin Thicke and Pharrell all over again. Its a shame that black artist help white artist steal our sound and our music, I hope Janis gets all she ask for and, Will I Am learns a valuable lesson.
Damn..he basically recreated the original song, just used different lyrics. Hard to believe he didn’t get clearance for such a blatant sample.
what is odd is how long ago this song came out and now they are looking too sue. PPl are hurting for money out there.