Rodney O is stepping up in a major way, filing a lawsuit against Epic Records over unpaid royalties related to his classic track “Everlasting Bass,” which was sampled in Future and Metro Boomin’s hit “Like That.” The 1988 song, created with Joe Cooley, has seen a resurgence thanks to its inclusion in a contemporary chart-topping single featuring Kendrick Lamar.
In an announcement made on May 7, Rodney O expressed his frustration, stating, “At first I was honored to have Future, Metro & KDot use my classic ‘Everlasting Bass,’ but they probably didn’t know that the company has not lived up to the agreement.” He emphasized his commitment to standing up for himself and other pioneers in the music industry, declaring, “Enough is enough.”
Despite Rodney O’s claims, a representative for Metro Boomin stated that the necessary clearances were obtained for the sample and that he had compensated Rodney O with $50,000. Nevertheless, the lawsuit highlights deeper issues regarding credit and compensation for original artists, as Rodney O alleges his writing credits were omitted during “Like That”’s Grammy nomination.
The controversy surrounding “Like That” escalated not only due to the legal dispute but also because of the track’s connection to Kendrick Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake, which has sparked multiple diss tracks and heated exchanges within the hip-hop community.
Rodney O, who retains 50% of the rights to “Everlasting Bass,” expected the collaboration to bring him rightful financial benefits. He has a history of impactful contributions to hip-hop, having shared stages with legends like N.W.A and MC Lyte during his career.
As this legal battle unfolds, Rodney O remains focused on advocating for his rights and those of fellow artists, ensuring that their contributions to the genre are recognized and rewarded appropriately.
