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In October 2019, member of the K-pop group Monsta X, WONHO, faced allegations of drug usage, resulting in his departure from the group. Fans were disheartened by the news of him leaving and wondered..
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April 1, 2023
Songwriters, composers, and publishers have long been underpaid when it comes to the live concert industry. However, a successful court case may be the first step to changing that.....
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March 28, 2023
Society has always placed a high value on music. As technology starts to become more part of our lives, social media and music platforms have become more and more prominent in the music business....
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The Latin GRAMMY Awards are changing it up this year for songwriters! On March 21, 2023, The Latin Recording Academy released a press release announcing various additions and changes to the awards...
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March 31, 2023
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March 18, 2023
The Filipino-Canadian duo from Vancouver has been releasing new tracks left and right, and they are known for their most streamed songs on Spotify, “Timezones,” and “Silver Skies.” Previously .......
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March 17, 2023
The singer, songwriter, and actress Miley Cyrus has recently released a record-breaking song called “Flowers” in January 2023. This song recites her 10-year long relationship with her ex-husband....
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March 4, 2023
Men I Trust is a Canadian indie pop band known for their dreamy and mellow sound. Their music is laid back, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and R&B to create a smooth and groovy vibe that is
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March 3, 2023
Artists like Kaytranada have proved that you don’t need access to a professional recording studio to create well-produced music. As technology and social media have advanced, it is now easier than eve
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February 25, 2023
People draw inspiration from others when forming their ideas, it’s a fact of life. Sampling in music is no exception - and artists do it for a variety of reasons. Traditionally, copyright laws and
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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.
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