Jay-Z and Beyoncé Get Hit With Copyright Infringement Lawsuit for Bey’s “Break My Soul”

Jay-Z and Beyoncé Get Hit With Copyright Infringement Lawsuit for Bey’s “Break My Soul”. Jay-Z and Beyoncé are in trouble again. The superstar duo is being sued for copyright infringement on Beyoncé’s 2022 smash “Break My Soul.” New Orleans bounce band Da Showstoppaz filed the complaint on May 22.

Da Showstoppaz argues that “Break My Soul” utilizes the words, melody, and musical arrangement from their 2002 album “Release a Wiggle” without permission, according to court documents obtained by XXL. Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Big Freedia, Sony Music Entertainment, and Parkwood Entertainment are sued.

Tessa Avie, Keva Bourgeois, Henri Braggs, and Brian Clark of Da Showstoppaz claim their song was significantly sampled in Big Freedia’s “Explode” and interpolated in Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul.”

Despite the single’s success in Beyoncé’s Renaissance album, Renaissance World Tour, and “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” they claim they have not been reimbursed for their labor.

Jay-Z, who co-wrote and produced “Break My Soul,” is also under scrutiny. The plaintiffs say his role in the song’s composition implies unauthorized use of their material. Despite the success of “Break My Soul,” Da Showstoppaz claims they were overlooked.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé have faced music lawsuits before. In December 2014, the power couple was sued for their song “Drunk in Love” allegedly imitating Mitsou’s 1995 single “Bajba, Bajba Pelem.” Mitsou, whose actual name is Monika Miczura, claimed “Drunk in Love”‘s first 13 seconds were stolen from her song. She said Beyoncé’s interpretation of her song about finding life’s silver lining was too sensuous.

Da Showstoppaz’s lawsuit joins the music industry’s largest legal fights. It questions creative inspiration and the value of recognizing and paying original creators.

The lawsuit received mixed reviews. Some Beyoncé and Jay-Z fans see it as another proof of their music’s global impact. Others say the duo should honor the original musicians who inspire their songs more often.

A fan wrote, “Beyoncé and Jay-Z are musical icons, but they need to respect other artists’ work. Da Showstoppaz deserves respect and remuneration if their claims are true.” The music industry uses sampling and interpolation, another user replied. Drawing the line between inspiration and infringement is difficult.”

The music business will follow the lawsuit. The case may influence future conflict resolution. Da Showstoppaz are seeking justice and credit for their efforts, hoping their music contributions will not be forgotten.

Jay-Z’s staff hasn’t responded to XXL’s request for comment. The outcome of this litigation is unknown, but it exposes music business copyright and fair use difficulties.

Beyoncé performs “Break My Soul” on her Renaissance World Tour while Jay-Z works on his company. Both musicians have not commented on the complaint, leaving fans and the music community waiting.

This case illustrates the complications of music creativity and ownership. Artists struggle to safeguard their IP and receive fair compensation, as seen by the Jay-Z and Beyoncé litigation.

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