Hip-Hop artist Fat Joe recently delved into the prevalent issue of unauthorized music sampling within the industry. In an Instagram Live session, the Bronx native expressed his sentiments on the matter, pointing out instances where he believes his music was “jacked” without proper permission. This discussion was sparked by Boosie Badazz’s recent confrontation with Rod Wave over the unauthorized usage of Boosie’s music.
During the Instagram Live session, the 53-year-old rapper highlighted his perspective on the legal implications of using someone’s music without clearance. Despite feeling that numerous artists have sampled his work without permission, Fat Joe admitted that he has never taken legal action in such cases. He emphasized the potential for artists to face lawsuits if they fail to clear samples and compensate the original creators.
Fat Joe cited examples of songs like Young Dro’s “Shoulder Lean,” Travis Porter’s “Make It Rain,” and Dem Franchize Boyz’s “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It,” which he believes bear a resemblance to his own hits, particularly his 2004 single “Lean Back” and the collaboration with Lil Wayne, “Make It Rain.”
While acknowledging the similarities, Fat Joe expressed his reluctance to pursue legal action. He humorously commented on the likeness of the songs in question, stating that if he were to present them in court, he would ask, “Exhibit A — that sh*t don’t look like ‘Lean Back’ to you?” Despite feeling that he could have pursued legal action multiple times, he revealed that he has chosen not to sue anyone for unauthorized sampling.
Fat Joe’s comments follow a recent trend in the industry, with Boosie Badazz publicly addressing his dissatisfaction with artists, including Rod Wave, Kodak Black, and YG, who allegedly sampled his music without proper clearance.
Boosie hinted at potential legal action, expressing his intent to be compensated for unauthorized usage of his work. Despite having multiple instances where his music was allegedly used without permission, Boosie asserted his preference for handling such matters outside the courtroom, citing his reputation as too “gangster” for lawsuits.
