Summary: Beyoncé is facing a copyright lawsuit over her hit song “Break My Soul.” New Orleans group Da Showstoppaz has filed the lawsuit, claiming that the track unlawfully samples their 2002 song “Release A Wiggle.” They allege that Big Freedia’s 2014 track “Explode,” which Beyoncé sampled in her song, used elements from their track without permission.
Details of the Lawsuit:
- Plaintiffs: Members of Da Showstoppaz, including Tessa Avie, Keva Bourgeois, Henri Braggs, and Brian Clark.
- Defendants: Beyoncé, Big Freedia, Sony Music, Jay-Z, and others.
- Claims: The lawsuit asserts that “Break My Soul” features lyrics, melody, and musical arrangements from “Release A Wiggle,” making the sampling in Beyoncé’s track unlawful.
- Legal Filing: The complaint was filed in the Louisiana federal court on May 22, 2024.
Context and Implications:
- Success of “Break My Soul”: The song has achieved significant success, topping the US singles chart, featuring prominently on Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, and appearing in her documentary film.
- Compensation Sought: Da Showstoppaz are seeking credit and compensation for the use of their work, as well as future royalties.
Additional Information:
- Accusations Against Defendants: The suit claims that Beyoncé, Big Freedia, and other defendants have profited substantially from the song without acknowledging Da Showstoppaz’s contributions.
- No Official Comment: A spokesperson for Beyoncé did not respond to requests for comment. It appears that the sample from “Explode” was legally licensed, suggesting any infringement might have been accidental.
For more details, visit NME.
