Fresh off of his legal win, Rick Ross, along with Jermaine Jackson, is suing someone.
The two have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against LMFAO, the electronic pop duo of Stefan Kendal Gordy (Redfoo) and Skyler Austen Gordy (Sky Blu). Kobalt Music Publishing and Kia Motors America are also defendants.
The issue is LMFAO’s chart-topping 2010 song, “Party Rock Anthem,” which contains the phrase, “Everyday I’m shufflin’,” in the chorus.
Rozay maintains that it is very close to his “Hustlin’,” which contains the lyric, “Everyday I’m hustlin.'” The song was released on Ross’ 2006 debut album, Port of Miami.
According to a lawsuit filed in Florida federal court, “The use of Hustlin’ in ‘Party Rock Anthem’ is readily apparent, despite the slight change from ‘Everyday I’m hustlin’ …’ to ‘Everyday I’m shufflin’…” and constitutes the creation of an unauthorized derivative work.”
It’s further alleged by the plaintiffs that the phrase is “performed in a manner to sound like” Ross’ own, and “is an obvious attempt to capitalize on the fame and success of Hustlin’.
“Party Rock Anthem” has not only sold 7.5 million copies, but also has been licensed for numerous films, television programs, video games, advertisements for airlines and more.
“The phrase is so important to the success of ‘Party Rock Anthem,’ that LMFAO launched a highly successful clothing line, Party Rock Clothing, that features the phrase on T-shirts and other clothing items,” says the lawsuit.
Represented by attorneys at GrayRobinson, the plaintiffs say that the defendants have been notified of the alleged infringement but have ignored warnings. Ross is now seeking an injunction and maximum statutory damages.
The “Party Rock Anthem” is cute, but Rozay get your money. When I first heard “Party Anthem” I immediately thought of “Hustlin.”
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