Rick Ross' celebrity personae has gotten him into quite a bit of trouble throughout his career. Whether it's Freeway Rick Ross trying to sue the rapper, or death threats, or drive-by shootings, there seems to always be something. Rozay now has a new lawsuit to deal with, surrounding his "3 Kings" song.
"3 Kings" appeared on the MMG boss' religion-themed album, God Forgives, I Don't. The song features Jay-Z and Dr. Dre, who are also named in the lawsuit, as well as the producer Jake One and Universal Music Group.
Two gospel songwriters,Clara Shepherd Warrick and Jimmy Lee Weary, filed the lawsuit. The two own the rights to the 1976 song "I’m So Grateful (Keep In Touch)" which is sampled on "3 Kings." Warrick and Weary say that the lawsuit isn't only about the sample though-- it's about the fact that the song goes against their values.
AHH reports that the lawsuit talks about the "3 Kings" video. The suit states, "The video includes very graphic depictions of drug use, vulgarity, nudity, gun violence, criminal conduct, actions demeaning to women and many other items that are certainly inconsistent with Plaintiffs’ wishes for how Plaintiffs’ song would be portrayed."
Warrick and Weary also say that the single "3 Kings" is largely responsible for the success of God Forgives, I Don't, which is now up for Grammy. If Rozay wins, that will only shine more light on the song.
The suit says, "Once the Grammy Awards are broadcast, the listeners will be alerted to existence of Plaintiffs song, at which time it will be subjected worldwide to irreparable harm of being linked to defendant’s song."
The two songwriters are calling for immediate action, including an injunction to prevent further distribution, performance, or commercial sale of the song.
As well, they're suing for copyright infringement, unfair trade practices, unfair competition by misappropriation, conversion and unjust enrichment.
Warrick and Weary are seeking an undetermined amount in damages.
