In a significant legal development, hip-hop heavyweights Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar are facing a lawsuit over unpaid royalties related to their track “Like That.” The song, which served as a diss track aimed at Drake, includes samples from Rodney O’s classic “Everlasting Bass.” Rodney O is now seeking compensation, claiming that he has not received any royalties from the use of his work and that proper clearance for the sample was never secured.
Details of the Lawsuit
Rodney O’s lawsuit also targets the estate of Barry White, whose work was sampled in the remix of “Like That” released by Kanye West. He asserts that not only has he been deprived of his rightful earnings, but he was also not credited as a songwriter when the track was submitted for Grammy consideration. Furthermore, Rodney O claims that he was unaware of Kendrick Lamar’s controversial verse on the song until just before its release.
In a statement to Vibe, Rodney O expressed his surprise at the song’s success, stating, “It’s crazy for it to be even bigger now all these years later.” He noted that while he has previously cleared samples for other artists without issue, he was not given the opportunity to review the final version of “Like That,” which included Lamar’s verse.
Metro Boomin’s Response
A representative for Metro Boomin responded to the allegations, stating that they had indeed obtained the rights to sample “Everlasting Bass” and had compensated Rodney O with $50,000. The rep suggested that any issues regarding royalty payments should be directed toward the estate of Barry White, which may be complicating matters due to their relationship with Epic Records. As of now, the estate of Barry White has not issued any comments regarding the lawsuit.
The Impact of “Like That”
The track “Like That” has garnered significant attention since its release, particularly for Kendrick Lamar’s impactful verse that many fans believe solidified its status as a chart-topping hit. The song’s release has sparked discussions about the ethics of sampling in the music industry and the importance of proper clearance and compensation for original artists.
Industry Reactions
The lawsuit underscores ongoing tensions in the music industry regarding artist rights and compensation. As fans and critics weigh in on the situation, many are highlighting the broader implications of this case for musicians and producers alike. The recurring theme of artists feeling exploited for their contributions has sparked outrage and calls for systemic changes in how the industry handles royalties and credit.
Conclusion
As the lawsuit unfolds, the music community will be watching closely to see how it impacts the careers of Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar. Rodney O’s claims bring to light critical issues surrounding sampling, credit, and compensation in hip-hop, raising questions about how artists can protect their work in an industry that often prioritizes profit over fairness.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as we follow the legal proceedings and their implications for the artists involved and the music industry at large. The discussions surrounding “Like That” will likely resonate for years to come, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in music production.
