are lashing out at superstar rappers Rick Ross, Dr.
Dre and Jay-Z in a new copyright lawsuit over
their song "3 Kings."
The lawsuit was filed on February 6
against the trio, as well as producer Jake One and
Universal Music Group, in the United States
District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
The lawsuit was filed by Clara Shepherd Warrick
and Jimmy Lee Weary, who owns the rights to the
song "I'm So Grateful (Keep In Touch)."
The song was released in 1976 and featured on an
album titled God Save The Children, by a gospel
singing group, named The Crowns of Glory.
According to the lawsuit, Rick Ross failed to get
the proper permission to include the sample on "3
Kings," which is featured on his album God
Forgives I Don't.
The lawsuit claims that Rick Ross' album lists
Jimmy Lee Weary as one of the writers of the
song, but he was never come contacted for
permission or compensated.
The lawsuit claims that a video for "3 Kings" was
widely circulated, garnering millions of views,
contributing to the success of the song.
But Warrick and Weary took issue with the
rappers and the contents of the song and video.
"The video includes very graphic depictions of
drug use, vulgarity, nudity, gun violence, criminal
conduct, actions demeaning to women and many
other items that are certainly inconsistent with
Plaintiffs' wishes for how Plaintiffs' song would be
portrayed," the lawsuit reads.
Warrick and Weary's lawsuit also claims that the
"3 Kings" song is largely responsible for the
success of Rick Ross' album, God Forgives I Don't,
which has spawned a Grammy nomination for
Best Rap Album of The Year.
"Once the Grammy Awards are broadcast, the
listeners will be alerted to existence of Plaintiffs
song, at which time it will be subjected worldwide
to irreparable harm of being linked to defendant's
song."
Warrick and Weary are calling for immediate
action, including an injunction to prevent further
distribution, performance, or commercial sale of
the song.
They are suing for copyright infringement, unfair
trade practices, unfair competition by
misappropriation, conversion and unjust
enrichment.
Warrick and Weary are seeking an undetermined
amount in damages.
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