A pair of gospel songwriters 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 yesterday (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.
