Jay-Z & Kanye West
Accusing the hip hop moguls of copyright infringement, soul singer Syl Johnson - with the help of archival label the Numero Group - is going after Kanye West and Jay-Z, as well as Def Jam Records, for sampling the 1967 song "Different Strokes" on their "The Joy" track, which appears on the highly-acclaimed collaborative record "Watch the Throne."
Taking to the Web to air their grievance, the group wrote, "Two decades and several lawsuits later, Syl Johnson is a veteran of copyright infringement cases, and has done very well for himself clearing samples from his fertile catalog (we're glad to say we've helped him with a few) for use in numerous tracks."
Adding, "He's been amply paid, as he is quick to boast in his concerts, by acts like Wu-Tang Clan, Kid Rock, and Michael Jackson. Other performers ... have not been so respectful."
Furthering their complaint, the Numero Group pointed out prior negotiations which would have allowed the sample to be cleared for use of Kanye's "Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," however, they noted, that the talks had stalled out and no additional discussions were had.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Kanye West
Kanye West
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Photo Credit: Getty Images
