Universal Music Group, one of the biggest music publishing giants in the world, is facing a new lawsuit over Mary J. Blige’s hit song “Real Love”. The lawsuit comes from Tuff City Records, claiming that the song illegally sampled their track “Impeach the President” without permission. This has sparked a legal battle between the two companies, with Tuff City seeking damages and wanting to halt Universal from profiting off the sample until the matter is resolved.
What makes this case even more intriguing is that the official sample credited for “Real Love” is actually “Top Billin'” by Audio Two, a hip hop song from the 1980s. However, upon further investigation, it appears that “Top Billin'” also sampled “Impeach the President”, which is the root of the current legal dispute.
The fact that Universal Music Group, a major player in the music industry, is being accused of copyright infringement raises questions about the company’s practices and the importance of securing proper permissions for samples used in songs. It also serves as a reminder of the complexities of music copyright law and the potential legal consequences for artists and companies who fail to adhere to these regulations.
While Mary J. Blige is not directly involved in the lawsuit, the case still has implications for her music and reputation. As a well-known and respected artist, her association with a song that is at the center of a legal battle could have repercussions for her career and public image.
Overall, the lawsuit against Universal Music Group highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding sampling in the music industry. It underscores the need for artists, producers, and record labels to be diligent in obtaining the necessary permissions to avoid potential legal issues and protect the integrity of their music.
