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Universal Music Group (UMG) is being slapped with a copyright infringement lawsuit for ‘Real Love.’ According to TMZ, the suit claims the song illegally used a sample of a 1973 song. At this time, the filing does not list Mary J. Blige as a defendant.
TMZ acquired legal documents stating that TufAmerica Inc., the owner of Tuff City Records, claims Universal sampled their track without permission, ‘Impeach the President.’ Tuff City Records, based in New York, released ‘Impeach The President’ in 1973.
According to Tuff City Records, it is one of the most sampled songs in hip hop history. Countless notable artists have borrowed parts of the song and made new creations. Slick Rick, 2Pac, Rakim, Ice Cube, and Eric B have sampled the tune.
For context, entities must get permission from the original creator of a song before releasing any sampled work.
TufAmerica stated that they reached out to UGM to express their concerns. They claim the record label ignored their alerts, so they’re suing.
The company is requesting undisclosed damages. Additionally, until they settle the case, they want Universal to halt any revenue they receive from the record.
‘Real Love’ is accused of sampling the musical composition and sound recording of ‘Impeach the President.’ The track is by Roy C and The Honey Dippers.
Universal has previously credited an 80’s hip hop song by Audio Two called ‘Top Billin’ as the sample, per Genius.
Mary J. Blige has not publicly reacted to the lawsuit.
