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Tracy Chapman Wins $450K From Nicki Minaj To Settle Copyright Lawsuit

Source: Tim Mosenfelder / Getty Tracy Chapman’s lawyer game is clearly proper. The beloved folk singer is getting a cool $450,000 from Nicki Minaj because of her copyright lawsuit against the Queens rapper. The Hollywood Reporter reports that instead of going to trial, Minaj will fork over the cash for sampling Chapman’s “Baby Can I Hold You” for a song called “Sorry” without proper permission Reportedly, on Thursday (Jan. 7), docs were made public that revealed Chapman accepted Minaj’s offer to settle. A trial was set for later this year. Interestingly, Minaj’s song never even got a proper release. But Chapman wasn’t having it when the song leaked, initially getting played by Funkmaster Flex on NYC radio station Hot 97. Chapman filed her suit in October 2018. Apparently, Chapman is also f...

Nicki Minaj to Pay Tracy Chapman $450,000 in Copyright Settlement

Nicki Minaj will pay Tracy Chapman $450,000 to settle the copyright infringement claims over the tune “Sorry,” which sampled Chapman’s 1988 single “Baby Can I Hold You” without authorization. According to The Hollywood Reporter, documents became public in California federal court on Thursday (Jan. 7) showing that Chapman accepted Minaj’s offer of judgment in the lawsuit on Dec. 30, 2020, and the case will not go to trial, which was set to take place on March 2. Chapman filed the case in October 2018, after “Sorry,” a collaboration with Nas, was allegedly leaked to radio DJ Funkmaster Flex, and from there, the song ended up on the internet. “Sorry” did not appear on an album or as an official release. “I am glad to have this matter resolved and grateful for this legal outcome whic...

The 35 Best Albums of the Last 35 Years

Let’s face it: With most “Best Albums” lists, you know the broad strokes of the ranking before you even click. Part of that predictability is understandable: Most iconic records earn their reputation. But these rankings shouldn’t be fossilized, and a shit-ton of amazing LPs have been shoved aside in the pursuit of maintaining the status quo. We didn’t ignore the unimpeachable on our list — you’ll see plenty of the staples you’ve come to expect. But we also hope we’ll spark your curiosity and encourage you to hunt for a title you may have missed over the last 35 years. 35. Bruce Springsteen – Tunnel of Love (1987) CREDIT: Columbia Records How does one follow up a rock album that recalibrates stadium sound systems and offers a stark look at hard times in America? With love songs, of course. ...

Tracy Chapman Gives Rare Performance of ‘Talkin’ ‘Bout a Revolution’ on Late Night

Tracy Chapman rarely plays live anymore. But on the night before Election Day, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter performed for the first time in five years with an inspiring rendition of her 1988 track, “Talkin’ ‘Bout a Revolution’ on Late Night With Seth Meyers. “This is the most important election of our lifetime. It is imperative that everyone vote to restore our democracy,” Chapman said in a statement on Instagram. Chapman emphasized the importance of getting to the polls on Election Day when she included “Go vote” in the lyrics to close the song last night’s set (Nov. 2). Watch Tracy Chapman’s performance on Late Night With Seth Meyers below. [embedded content] And read our classic interview with Chapman from 1988 here. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for D...

Judge Hands Nicki Minaj A Small Win In Tracy Chapman Copyright Case

Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz The copyright infringement case that Tracy Chapman hit Nicki Minaj with has been going on for quite some time now and while it may have seemed like a solid case to some, a judge just handed the Barbs a small victory in the court of law. Vulture is reporting that Judge Virginia A. Phillips ruled that the Queen rapper did not commit copyright infringement when she sampled Chapman’s song “Baby Can I Hold You” on her unreleased cut “Sorry.” Though Nicki never had permission to sample the song and record it, the judge overseeing the case felt that since clearance was never sought nor the song ever officially released, there was no wrongdoing and ruling in favor of Chapman would potentially harm future music from even being experimented on. “Artists u...

How music legend Majek Fashek passed on

Legendary reggae artiste, Majekodunmi Fasheke, aka Majek Fashek is dead. The artiste died in a New York hospital after a protracted illness on Monday about 5:45pm. He was aged 71. His manager, Uzoma Omenka, confirmed this in a video uploaded on the late singer’s Instagram handle. “Yes, it is true that the legend has gone to be with the Lord. But this time I want to say we should all celebrate him, his achievements. He has done a lot for Nigeria and for Africa. Whatever the family decides, I will get it to you. This is all I have to say for now.” He said. Fashek, who battled a mysterious protracted illness had been down since 2019 and was at a time on admission at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich in England . Fashek was born in Benin-City, Edo state to an Ijesha father and a Benin mot...

Nigerian celebrities mourn deceased Majek Fashek

Nigerian celebrities have taken to their social media platforms to mourn the death of Music Legend, Majekodunmi Fasheke, a.k.a Majek Fashek. Fashek’s a.k.a rain maker’s death was announced by his manager, Omenka Uzoma, through a short video on his instagram page. Some of the celebrities include Chibuzor Azubuike a.k.a Phyno, Olanrewaju Fasasi, a.k.a Sound Sultan displayed the reggae artist pictures on their Instagram pages. Other include Yomi Black, Bimbo Esho, actress Toyin Adegbola and Jude Okoye were not equally left out. Phyno wrote: “Rest in peace, Legend.” Sound Sultan had this on his page: “Rest in peace, power Majek.” Yomi Black wrote:” Rest in peace, Majek Fashek.” Also, Bimbo Esho, Chief Executive Officer, Evergreen Musical Company, mourned the late reggae maestro as she wrote ” ...

Nigerian Reggae Music Icon, Majek Fashek Dies in New York at Age 71 | Rest in Peace Legend!

Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek is Dead! The Reggae musician, Majek Fashek born in 1949 has died at the age of 71 in New York, USA. In the late 80s and early 90s, Majek Fashek was a top reggae act both in Nigeria and Africa. He was also one of the earliest Nigerian music stars to get an international record deal and also make appearances on American TV shows where he performed. Majek’s 1988 album ‘Prisoner of Conscience’ and the single ‘Send Down the Rain’ became a major hit worldwide and garnered multiple awards, including Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria’s album of the year in 1989. It was followed by ‘So Long for Too Long’ in 1991, which incorporated haunting vocals with the artist’s captivating rhythm. The musician also known as The Rainmaker, has w...