Copyright Case

1.11.21

Nicki Minaj

Copyright is a dangerous thing to play with, anywhere you go in life. Children are taught in school at a very young age that copyright is literally illegal, and can get you into some real financial trouble. One area we see copyright infringement occur over and over again, is the music industry. We hope that our favorite artists are writing their music, but even if they are, they need to be super careful about where they pull their inspirations from. If you sound too much like another, you could be in trouble by those whom came before you. The latest to get hit with a major copyright lawsuit, is Nicki Minaj.

Nicki Minaj seems to be having a wonderful year, after giving birth to her first son, who she introduced to the internet as Papa Bear. Perhaps she just wanted to end all the negative aspects of her life, now becoming a mother, but she has certainly taken a bit of a hit with this ongoing lawsuit of copyright infringement, between herself and Tracy Chapman.

Back in 2018, Tracy Chapman sued Nicki Minaj for copyright infringement. Tracy claimed that Nicki Minaj’s song Sorry, included a copied melody and lyrics from the chorus and most memorable parts of her popular song, Baby Can I Hold You. Nicki’s song was due to be released on her album Queen, with a Nas feature. The song was ultimately dropped from the album due to lack of clearance from Tracy, but of course, the internet was able to find it.

What makes the whole tale so interesting, is the way that Nicki responded to the lawsuit. Nicki instantly denied that there were any copyright infringement in her song. Back in 2018, she actually tweeted that she had no idea there were similarities in her song, to one of Tracy Chapman’s hit singles. Though, she ended up asking Tracy to clear the song, just shortly before the album would release. Tracy did not clear the track, therefore, the track was dropped from the project.

While this already seems to a bit strange, denying copyright or even understanding the similarities, Nicki and her team did what they could to fight the lawsuit. They claimed that Tracy did not own the copyright, and was not entitled to the claims of the case. Her team also tried to use the Doctrine of Fair Use to say the song was inspired by, but not copied, however they ultimately came up short. About two years later, Nicki Minaj and Tracy Chapman end their lawsuit, as Nicki Minaj pays $450,000 to Tracy for the claim.

I personally hate to see this happen, especially from someone who prides herself on writing her own music. Everyone has to be inspired from someone or something, but it just sad to think that artists would take an old hit and make it seem like they had no idea. Listening to both songs, Nicki definitely made it her own but the melody and even some of the lyrics are clearly there. Before it happened to Nicki, it notoriously happened to her Young Money leader, Lil Wayne.

Back in 2011, Lil Wayne and Young Money Records were named in a $15 million lawsuit for copyright infringement, against Done Deal Enterprises, for parts of the hit single, Bedrock. There were also issues with his song I Feel Like Dying, and multiple other cases involving rights and royalties. It seems like this either is something Nicki should have been prepared for, or that they just did not care too much about. I remember first hearing about Lil Wayne being sued for copyright and I just could not believe it. Why would “the greatest rapper alive” do something like that? Well, I guess he is not the only one.

Rick Ross recently won his battle, against 50 Cent. Only, this fight went in the complete opposite direction. One that Nicki Minaj attempted to take, but ultimately failed. 50 Cent had sued Rick Ross for rapping over his hit single, In Da Club. This battle lasted five years, and ended up in Rozay winning the battle, because 50 Cent did not own the rights to his song.

Juice WRLD was also previously sued by Yellowcard, whom requested $15 million in damages for his song Lucid Dreams, which appeared to copy the flow from Yellowcard’s Holly Wood Died. After Juice WRLD’s untimely passing last December, Yellowcard stepped away from the lawsuit. However, it has been mentioned that they are prepared to continue, once Juice WRLD's estate could name an executor.

These cases all include an insane amount of money, and should teach everyone a few things, no matter where you are in your life. Do not copy, cheat, or steal. If there is a question of whether it may be copyright, ask for permission or help. Finally, you need to have the rights to your own work, or else, anything can happen.

Have a listen for yourself, do you think Nicki copied Tracy?

Nicki Minaj Sorry

Tracy Chapman Baby Can I Hold You