Justin Timberlake and Jay Z’s hit song “Suit and Tie” is now the center of a lawsuit brought up against Universal Music Group. According to two members of the 70s R&B group Sly, Slick and Wicked, the record samples their song, “Sho’ Nuff” which was produced by James Brown. According to the band, Universal Music Group paid to sample the song however, never got the rights to the vocal performances in that song. And to top it off, the band claims they never got their cut when the song was used in the Bud Light commercial. JT’s song sold over 3 million copies and racked up 92 million views on YouTube, the band claims they just want what’s rightfully theirs. More below.
What’s Next For The Music Biz?! Universal Music Group Dismantles Distribution Company
Universal Music Group officially dropped the name Universal Music Group Distribution (UMGD), and updated its U.S. structure. In a digital market, where applications like Spotify, Tidal, and iTunes have limited the number of hard copies purchased by consumers; it looks like Universal Music Group will be placing more interest in marketing and e-commerce operations.
(Photos) Universal Sues Companies Selling Mixtapes in Prison
“I left a half a hundred in your commissary” said Nas in 1994, but could inmates with money to spend be denied music now? Universal Sues Companies Selling Mixtapes in Prison and reportedly wants $150,000 per song allegedly-illegally distributed across 40 states in the US. (Yikes!)
Motown Records’ President, Ethiopia Habtemariam, Will Be At Revolt’s Music Conference In Miami. Will You?
It’s been a pretty good year for Ethiopia Habtemariam. Following the reestablishment of Universal Music Group’s three core brands; Def Jam Recordings, Island Records and Motown Records as “stand-alone” business operations, Habtemariam — who entered into the year as senior Vice President of Motown Records and head of urban music at Universal Music Publishing Groupwas promoted to President of the storied brand that brought the world Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Erykah Badu and NE-YO — to name a few. She’s going to be a the REVOLT Music Conference in Miami, shedding light on this industry she’s thriving in and also how to push music forward. Check her out after the jump.
Azealia Banks Begs To Be Dropped From Universal
Earlier today Azealia Banks took to Twitter to not only voice her frustrations with her label, Universal Music Group, but also begged to be dropped from the label. With debut album, “Broke With Expensive Tastes” having been in limbo for the past few years, Banks finally received a release date for the first quarter of 2014 but with this Twitter debacle (and she’s had many), it looks like her debut won’t be seeing the light of day anytime soon.
Kanye West Being Sued For Sample Used In, “Bound 2”
Another day, another situation involving Kanye West! This time it’s between the, “Black Skinhead” rapper and 70s singer, Ricky Spicer, one of the five members in Ponderosa Twins Plus One. Spicer is claiming that his voice is used in Kanye’s most recent single, “Bound 2,” without permission, of course and a lawsuit has been set in motion. “Mr. Spicer’s voice is sampled exactly as he recorded it and his voice,” the suit mentions. Other defendants in the case, Roc-a-Fella, Island Def Jam, Rhino Entertainment, and Universal Music Group. This is going to be a DOUZIE! Check out the ORIGINAL sound of, “Bound,” after the jump.
