In a significant victory for the estate of the late Dallas rapper Mo3, a jury has ruled in favor of his family, ensuring they maintain control over his music recordings. The court’s decision follows a copyright lawsuit against Mo3’s former sound engineer, Ray Bollin Jr., who was ordered to turn over the rapper’s music files and pay damages.
The jury delivered its verdict on April 28, with U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant entering the final judgment on May 12. The lawsuit, filed by Mo3’s estate in 2023, accused Bollin, the owner of Absolut Production Recording Studios, of copyright infringement and withholding the rapper’s music files from his family after his tragic death.
The court determined that Absolut Production Recording Studios is not a joint author or co-owner of any sound recording featuring Mo3’s vocal performances, meaning they cannot assert copyright claims over his work. Bollin has been ordered to hand over any files containing Mo3’s performances, cancel any copyright registrations for the rapper’s works, and pay $5,000 in damages to the estate.
Despite Bollin’s claims of playing a significant role in the production of Mo3’s successful tracks, the court sided with Mo3’s estate, emphasizing the importance of the rapper’s legacy and the family’s right to control his artistic output.
Mo3, whose real name was Melvin Noble Jr., was shot and killed on November 11, 2020, while driving in Dallas. His death has been linked to a series of ongoing investigations, with fellow rapper Yella Beezy facing charges related to the murder.
This ruling not only secures Mo3’s musical legacy but also reinforces the rights of artists and their families in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry. As the estate moves forward, fans and supporters continue to remember Mo3’s contributions to the hip-hop scene and celebrate his enduring influence.
Stay tuned for further updates on this case and its impact on the music community.
