Beyoncé & Big Freedia Sued For Copyright Infringement Over 'Break My Soul'

Summary

The Breakfast Club discusses a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by New Orleans bounce group, The Showstoppers, against Beyoncé and Big Freedia for using the phrase 'release a wiggle' in their songs. The group claims Beyoncé's 'Break My Soul' samples Big Freedia's 'Explode,' which they say was inspired by their own song. The hosts also critique Apple Music's '100 Best Albums' list for its lack of diversity and questionable inclusions, sparking debate on the representation of various music genres.

Takeaways

• 😲 A local New Orleans group, the Showstoppers, is suing Beyoncé and Big Freedia for copyright infringement and unfair trade practices.
• 🎶 The lawsuit stems from the Showstoppers’ 2002 song 'Release a Wiggle,' which they claim Big Freedia copied in her 2014 song 'Explode'.
• 🔥 Beyoncé's 2022 hit 'Break My Soul' samples Big Freedia's 'Explode,' linking her to the lawsuit.
• 📜 The Showstoppers argue that 'Release a Wiggle' was not published in any other songs before they released it.
• 👥 The lawsuit also includes other credited writers and producers on 'Break My Soul,' including Jay-Z.
• 💡 The phrase 'Release a Wiggle' is considered local New Orleans slang, and the group claims it originated from their song.
• 🎤 The hosts discuss whether slang phrases, like 'Release a Wiggle,' can be copyrighted and used exclusively in songs.
• 🎧 Apple Music released a controversial Top 100 Best Albums list, sparking reactions across social media.
• 📜 Jermaine Dupri criticized the list for its lack of respect for R&B and exclusion of notable artists like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Brandy.
• 👑 Beyoncé's 'Lemonade' ranked #10, and Michael Jackson’s 'Thriller' came in at #2, while Lauryn Hill’s 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' was named the greatest album of all time.

Q & A

What is the main legal issue mentioned in the script?

The main legal issue is that a New Orleans bounce group named the Showstoppers is suing Beyoncé and Big Freedia for copyright infringement and unfair trade practices over the use of the phrase 'release your wiggle.'

What specific phrase is at the center of the lawsuit against Beyoncé and Big Freedia?

The phrase at the center of the lawsuit is 'release your wiggle,' which the Showstoppers claim they used first in their song, and Big Freedia allegedly took for her song 'Explode.'

What are the Showstoppers accusing Big Freedia of in relation to their song?

The Showstoppers are accusing Big Freedia of stealing their concept and phrase 'release your wiggle' for her 2014 song 'Explode.' They claim Big Freedia, due to her New Orleans roots and involvement in the bounce community, likely knew about their song before creating hers.

How is Beyoncé involved in this legal case?

Beyoncé is involved because she sampled Big Freedia's 'Explode' in her 2022 hit 'Break My Soul,' which is also part of the Showstoppers' copyright infringement claim.

Who else, besides Beyoncé and Big Freedia, is being sued in this case?

In addition to Beyoncé and Big Freedia, the Showstoppers are suing other writers and producers credited on 'Break My Soul,' including Jay-Z.

What is the opinion expressed in the script about the phrase 'release your wiggle'?

The speaker suggests that 'release your wiggle' might just be New Orleans slang and questions whether the phrase can even be copyrighted, comparing it to other popular phrases that haven't been copyrighted.

What was the reaction to Apple's top 100 album list, particularly from Jermaine Dupri?

Jermaine Dupri expressed disappointment with Apple's top 100 album list, saying that the lack of R&B albums was disrespectful and that it felt like R&B wasn't considered worthy.

Which albums were mentioned in the top 10 of Apple's list, and what was the general response?

Albums mentioned in the top 10 include Beyoncé's 'Lemonade,' Nirvana's 'Nevermind,' and Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' among others. The speaker criticizes the ranking, particularly that Lauryn Hill's 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' was ranked over 'Thriller' and that some important R&B artists were excluded.

What genre of music does the speaker feel was underrepresented in Apple's top 100 album list?

The speaker feels that R&B was underrepresented in the list, with notable omissions of artists like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Brandy.

What are the criticisms mentioned in the script regarding the list's diversity?

The speaker criticizes the list for lacking diversity, pointing out that in order to make such a list, the team would need to listen to all genres of music. They argue that the list may not reflect a comprehensive understanding of different musical styles.