Rappers Steal Dead Musician’s Songs

May 27. 2008

Kanye West

In another case of blatant copyright theft, rappers Kanye West, Common and Mos Def have been sued by the estate of the late jazz musician Joe Farrell.

His daughter, Kathleen Firrantello, filed suit against them and rightfully so. They used her father's copyrighted music, without permission or payment and made a bundle off it.

Common

Two months ago, on March 27, 2008, I wrote about Kayne West stealing an indie musician's song. He too has sued Kanye as a result. West is also on Madonna's copyright infringing flop Hard Candy as a writer and producer. This is clearly a habit with him.

Considering Kanye can whine like a woman at the least perceived slight, while repeatedly proclaiming himself the best artist in the world, this conduct is quite hypocritical. You claim you are the best and you're stealing from people. The best what, thief?

Method Man

That’s all these mainstream artists do - steal. They are committing crimes, as copyright infringement is a violation of domestic and international law.

I keep citing these cases to illustrate to the public that mass thievery in the area of copyrights is a major issue in Hollywood.

They have no conscience or regard for others' welfare, property and financial outlook, deeming themselves above the law with the right to steal from anyone, which is wrong.

Hollywood should be ashamed of this terrible practice, especially in light of the fact that they are telling the public to desist pirating their products. Can you say hypocrites.

Many musicians, writers and authors are actively being defrauded out of their life's work, some even going homeless, their children destitute, due to these willful acts of copyright theft.

Copyrights mean money and these deceitful, untalented stars and executives know that. They are breaking the law and spitting in the faces of hardworking people.

Kanye, Common, Method Man Sued Over Jazz Sample

May 23, 2008, 10:25 AM ET - Rappers Kanye West, Method Man, Redman, Common and their record companies were sued yesterday (May 22) by late U.S. jazz musician Joe Farrell's daughter, who accused them of using her father's music without approval.

The lawsuit, filed by Kathleen Firrantello in the U.S. District Court in New York, names the rappers along with various labels owned by Universal Music Group.

The lawsuit said all the rappers used portions of Farrell's 1974 musical composition "Upon This Rock" in three separate songs -- West in "Gone," Common in "Chi-City" and Method Man and Redman in their song "Run 4 Cover."

Firrantello is seeking punitive damages of at least $1 million and asked that no further copies of the songs be made, sold or performed, according to the lawsuit.

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