.png)
November 8, 2024
In a move that caught the music world by surprise, Addison Rae’s latest single, Diet Pepsi, has reshaped her image and proved she’s more than just a social media star....
Read more.png)
November 8, 2024
Coldplay has been a cornerstone of the pop-rock scene for over two decades, with their sound evolving from melancholic, guitar-driven ballads to vibrant, arena-filling anthems that defy genre...
Read more.png)
November 8, 2024
In the music industry, some of the most famous songs weren’t performed by the artists who wrote them. Think of classics like Dolly Parton’s "I Will Always Love You" or Sia’s "Diamonds."...
Read more.png)
November 5, 2024
Quincy Jones, the legendary music titan, has left us at 91, but his spirit endures through every note, melody, and rhythm he touched. From his groundbreaking production on Michael Jackson’s Thriller..
Read more.png)
October 18, 2024
Compression is one of the most crucial tools in any beatmaker's toolkit, shaping the dynamics of your track and helping achieve that punchy, polished sound....
Read more.png)
October 18, 2024
Getting into music production can be an exciting journey, especially for beginners. With so many digital audio workstations (DAWs) available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Read more.png)
October 18, 2024
Mixing is an art form that requires not only technical skill but also a keen ear and attention to detail. Many producers and engineers fall into common traps...
Read more.png)
October 18, 2024
When upgrading your CPU for music production, whether you're composing orchestral scores, producing electronic music, or working with intricate multi-track projects, selecting the right processor...
Read more.png)
October 11, 2024
Creating epic risers and transition effects is essential for electronic music producers to build tension and anticipation before a drop or shift in their tracks. Here’s how you can do it...
Read more.png)
October 6, 2024
ixing music is an art, and one of the most essential tools for achieving clarity in a mix is the equalizer (EQ). One technique, in particular, known as subtractive EQ, can work wonders for cleaning...
Read more.png)
October 6, 2024
One common frustration in vocal production, especially for home studio and bedroom producers, is encountering static noise in the high frequencies after compressing and brightening vocals...
Read more.png)
The beats of reggaeton, known for their infectious rhythms and global appeal, are now at the center of a massive legal battle that could reshape the genre. A federal judge has denied the motion to dismiss a sweeping copyright infringement lawsuit that targets over 1,000 reggaeton tracks, implicating some of the biggest names in Latin music, including Bad Bunny and J Balvin.
The lawsuit, initiated by Jamaican producer Cleveland “Clevie” Browne and the estate of his late partner Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson, alleges that numerous reggaeton artists have unlawfully used the instrumental percussion pattern from their 1989 track "Fish Market" without permission. This pattern, consisting of a programmed kick, snare, hi-hat, tambourine, synthesized tom, and a Bb bass note, is claimed to be a groundbreaking creation by Browne and Johnson, and a fundamental element in many reggaeton hits.
According to the lawsuit, the "Fish Market" beat gained significant recognition through Shabba Ranks' 1990 song “Dem Bow,” which played a pivotal role in popularizing the beat and the reggaeton genre as a whole. The plaintiffs argue that the beat's unique combination has been widely used by artists without proper credit or compensation.
Despite attempts by defendants to dismiss the case, U.S. District Judge André Birotte Jr. has ruled that the complaint meets the necessary procedural standards. This decision means the case will proceed to the discovery phase, where both parties will gather and exchange evidence, conduct depositions, and seek expert testimonials.
Bad Bunny's legal team has strongly opposed the lawsuit, arguing that it seeks to monopolize the entire reggaeton genre by claiming ownership over common musical elements. However, Judge Birotte indicated that it's too early to make a legal determination about the commonality and protectability of these elements, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination during the discovery process.
This lawsuit has the potential to set a significant precedent in the music industry, especially for genres like reggaeton that heavily rely on specific rhythmic patterns. It highlights the complex issues surrounding musical copyrights, where the lines between inspiration, homage, and infringement can often blur.
As the case progresses, it will undoubtedly be closely watched by musicians, producers, and industry professionals. The outcome could influence not only reggaeton but also other genres that incorporate repetitive and recognizable beats. For now, the world of reggaeton faces a period of intense scrutiny and legal uncertainty, with its most celebrated artists at the forefront of this landmark battle.
.png)
.png)