April 8th 2024.
Universal Music Group is facing some legal issues over Mary J. Blige's hit song "Real Love." According to Reuters, Tuff City Records, a New York-based label, has filed a lawsuit against UMG for using an uncleared sample in the 1992 track. The sample in question is from the Honey Drippers' popular 1972 funk song "Impeach the President."
Tuff City claims that despite repeated attempts to negotiate with Universal Music Publishing, they have been met with resistance. This is due to a previous agreement made by another UMG unit, UMG Recordings, to license the sample in "Real Love." The lawsuit states that UMG has not only refused to engage in meaningful negotiations, but also has not compensated Tuff City for past infringements or agreed to future compensation.
"Real Love" was a huge success for Blige, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1992. The use of the iconic drum breakdown from "Impeach the President" has been a staple in hip-hop music, appearing in songs by artists such as Run DMC and Doja Cat.
Tuff City, as the copyright owners of a wide range of musical genres, including blues, R&B, jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop, has a history of filing lawsuits against big names in the music industry. Some of their past targets include Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Frank Ocean. While most of these cases have been dismissed, Tuff City settled with Kanye for an undisclosed amount.
The label is now seeking damages from UMG, stating that their actions have caused "great and irreparable injury that cannot be fully compensated or measured in money." They are asking for an undisclosed amount in damages, as well as preliminary and permanent injunctive relief.
In other music news, the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees have been announced, and the list includes big names such as Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, A Tribe Called Quest, and more. Tuff City, with its vast collection of musical recordings and compositions, plays an important role in preserving and promoting these genres, ensuring that they do not fall into obscurity.
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