Phil Andelman Beastie Boys associate Mario C says the group has plenty of…
Beastie Boys' Copyright Lawsuit: Band Sued for Infringement Day Before MCA Died
- Posted on May 8th 2012 2:30PM by Theo Spielberg
Jason Merritt/Getty Images
On May 3, one day before Adam 'MCA' Yauch died following a three-year cancer battle, record label Tuf America hit the Beasties with a lawsuit for copyright infringement over their two most acclaimed albums, their 1986 debut License to Ill and sample-centric sophomore LP, 1989's Paul's Boutique.
As AllHipHop reports, the suit was filed in federal court in New York, claiming unauthorized use of D.C.-based group Trouble Funk's music. The Trouble Funk songs in question are 1982's "Drop the Bomb" and "Say What." The former is used on Licensed to Ill tracks "Hold It Now Hit It" and "The New Style" as well as on the Paul's Boutique song "Car Thief," while the latter was used on "Shadrach," also from the 1989 LP.
The label is looking for a trial in order to be compensated for earnings made by the Beastie Boys from using the samples, on both the original albums and reissues. Capitol Records have also been named as a defendant. Here's hoping that it goes away quietly with minimal grief to the surviving Beastie Boys.
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Add a Comment
icastfuturestars, I don't think you are actually familiar with Beastie Boys music. Although they "rap", there is funk, punk, soul, jazz, instrumentals, etc. I am not a fan of "rap" but love the Beastie Boys. There is nothing like them, as far as I know. I first heard them in the early 80's when they did thrash punk. They put on an amazing live show and I think you may actually enjoy them if you gave them a chance.
May 08 2012 at 10:41 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyLicensed to Ill was released in 1986, as you say, so why did it take these guys 26 years (!) to file a lawsuit? Isn't there a statute of limitations on copyright infringement?
More nonsense...
Yes there is but I believe copyright lasts 50 years on recorded music.
May 08 2012 at 10:39 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyUm, really? I expect this to get thrown out of court. You gotta think that there's a statue of limitations involved in this. Furthermore, copyright law was VASTLY different in '86 and '89, and the US Constitution forbids ex-post-facto laws.
May 08 2012 at 9:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyReally?? 86 an 89?? this is 2012 and theyre doing this now?? Douchebags is the only word that comes to mind...
May 08 2012 at 9:37 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyReally I was thinking Statute of Limitations......
May 08 2012 at 9:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDoes it matter? DO RAP songs really have a MELODY you can actually STEAL? Sorry-- it's all noise to me..... HJow the R&R Hall of fame would induct the Beastie Boys BEFORE such important rock artists such as DEEP PURPLE, RUSH, CHICAGO, GRAND FUNK, JJ CALE, MOODY BLUES, YES is a JOKE...No wonder AXL ROSE didnt show up! the Hypocisy is alive.
May 08 2012 at 9:27 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyicastfuturestars, I don't think you are actually familiar with Beastie Boys music. Although they "rap", there is funk, punk, soul, jazz, instrumentals, etc. I am not a fan of "rap" but love the Beastie Boys. There is nothing like them, as far as I know. I first heard them in the early 80's when they did thrash punk. They put on an amazing live show and I think you may actually enjoy them if you gave them a chance.
May 08 2012 at 10:43 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
CycleGolf
Goes away? I love the Beastie Boys, but if they sampled copyrighted work, they have to pay up.....nobody likes to work for free.
May 08 2012 at 9:10 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyReally? 26 years pass and suddenly it's important for them to be compensated? They must be hard up for some drug money.
May 08 2012 at 9:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyGet a grip.....never even heard of your silly record label. You have class act written all over yourselves.
May 08 2012 at 9:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyiy's off yopic like these idiots who say yhe world is going to end! they said the same thing in the early 1850's. When nothing happened the fear mongers said they misread the bible. My biggest fear is all the fanatics killing all the innocents! that is why the gun lobby wants guns so they can kill all the innoxebts! If something happens we are all going die anyway!
May 08 2012 at 8:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyseriously f'n scumbag let them greive for pete's sake
May 08 2012 at 8:40 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
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