Celebrity

Jermaine Dupri and Jacquees Face $150K Copyright Lawsuit Over “Pick It Up”

Rap group Home Team is suing Jermaine Dupri and Jacquees in federal court over their 2023 song “Pick It Up,” alleging the song infringed on protected elements of their 1992 song of the same name without permission or compensation.

The lawsuit claims that the lyrics and musical elements of Home Team’s original “Pick It Up” were utilized in the later recording without the brothers being credited as writers, as per the complaint detailed by AllHipHop. They are seeking more than $150,000 in damages, as well as credit as writers and a share of the publishing royalties from the newer recording.

The original version was released in 1992 as part of the album Via Satellite from Saturn on Home Team/Luke Records. Over 30 years later, Dupri and Jacquees laid down their own “Pick It Up” for Mass Appeal in 2023.

The case hinges on whether there was copying of legally protected expression from Home Team’s 1992 composition. The songs’ similarity isn’t, in and of itself, proof of copyright infringement, the pending lawsuit will need to address the specific elements that the plaintiffs say were used unlawfully.

Celebrity

Drake Shows Support for Kanye West During Donda West Way Celebration

It’s a significant moment for Kanye West and his family, and it seems that Drake is expressing support. West was in Chicago recently to mark the unveiling of Dr. Donda West Way, a street named after his late mother, Dr. Donda West, and Drake quietly acknowledged the occasion online.

The gesture is notable given the complicated history between Drake and Kanye West. The two artists have had moments of intense tension over the years, especially between 2018 and 2021, when their rivalry was often a subject of public discussion. At the time, Drake was also involved in a feud with Pusha T, which added another element to the artists’ feud.

But despite their differences, Drake and Ye eventually found their way back to each other. The duo famously made an appearance together at the Free Larry Hoover Benefit Concert, their first public moment together after years of rivalry. But the relationship has stayed mostly out of the spotlight since, with neither artist having spoken much about the other.

That shifted a bit on Tuesday when Drake liked an Instagram video of the street sign ceremony for Dr. Donda West Way. While a social media like may seem small, it carries more weight because of the history between the two artists.

The two artists used to collaborate frequently, with Drake appearing on music for West before their relationship turned into one of hip-hop’s more public feuds. They made up in the end, showing that the tension was resolved, though it’s unclear whether there will be another collaboration between them.

Drake’s participation in the Donda West Way ceremony is, for now, a relatively low key gesture. But it comes at a significant time for West as he marks his mother’s legacy in the city that influenced his early years.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Celebrity

50 Cent Surprises Tyrese Haliburton With Free Wedding Performance

Tyrese Haliburton had some big decisions to make when it came to entertainment for his wedding, but things changed when 50 Cent got involved. The NBA star got a free performance from 50 Cent, who stepped in to perform at the wedding.

Haliburton and the rapper have become friends, with their bond growing stronger with 50 Cent’s partnership with the Indiana Pacers. His rivalry with the New York Knicks has not stopped Haliburton’s relationship with the rapper from growing.

50 Cent decided to do it for free instead of treating the wedding gig like a business deal. Haliburton said he covered the rapper’s hotel and other expenses but did not pay him a performance fee.

The performance was a surprise as well. “Haliburton wanted it to be a surprise up until the reception, so only he and his wife Jade Jones knew 50 Cent would be performing.

The moment was all the more meaningful for Haliburton, who said 50 Cent’s gesture was “a sign of the close relationship we have.” For the basketball star, the rapper’s willingness to attend the celebration in person without a hefty performance fee added another memorable touch to the wedding.

The rapper’s surprise appearance at the reception provided Haliburton and Jones with an unexpected musical highlight to their celebration. The performance was to be a secret to everyone, but the couple and the appearance were to be revealed at the reception rather than announced in advance.

For Haliburton, the gesture seems to have meant more than the performance itself. He added that he appreciated 50 Cent’s willingness to participate in such an important personal occasion.

The NBA star also said he intends to remember the gesture, highlighting the connection between the two. What began as a search for a wedding performer became an opportunity for a good friend to step in and deliver a memorable surprise.