Legal Battle Erupts Over 'Like That': Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar Sued

A legal storm is brewing in the hip-hop world as Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar face a lawsuit over their track “Like That,” a diss song aimed at Drake and J. Cole. The lawsuit, filed by Rodney O, alleges that the artists used his 1987 song “Everlasting Bass” without permission, leading to unpaid royalties. Additionally, the estate of Barry White is named in the suit for a sample used in a remix of “Like That” featuring Kanye West.

The Heart of the Dispute

Rodney O claims that his song “Everlasting Bass,” a collaboration with Joe Cooley, was sampled in “Like That” without proper clearance. He argues that he was neither credited nor compensated for the use of his work. Furthermore, Rodney O asserts that he was excluded from songwriting credits during the Grammy submission process for the track.

The Remix Controversy

The legal issues extend beyond the original track. A remix of “Like That,” which includes contributions from Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign, also features a sample from Barry White’s estate. Rodney O’s lawsuit includes the estate in the legal action, alleging that the sample was used without proper authorization.

Industry Reactions

The lawsuit has sparked discussions about the importance of obtaining proper clearances for samples in the music industry. While Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar have not publicly commented on the lawsuit, the case highlights the complexities involved in sampling and the potential legal ramifications of not securing the necessary permissions.

Looking Ahead

As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for artists and producers in the hip-hop community. It underscores the necessity for due diligence when incorporating samples into new works and the potential consequences of overlooking this crucial step.

Written By Fortune Davidson