Beyonce’s “Break My Soul” Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Dismissed

BY Caroline Fisher
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Beyoncé RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR - New York
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 29: (Editorial Use Only) (Exclusive Coverage) Beyoncé performs onstage during the "RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR" at MetLife Stadium on July 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood )
Da Showstoppaz accused Beyonce and Big Freedia of copyright infringement in May.

In May, Beyonce and Big Freedia were hit with a lawsuit over the songstress' RENAISSANCE single, "Break My Soul." New Orleans bounce group Da Showstoppaz accused them of copyright infringement over some of the track's lyrics. The group didn't accuse Bey of stealing their work directly, but instead noted that she legally sampled Big Freedia's 2014 track "Explode."

Allegedly, that track illegally borrowed lyrics from their own 2002 song, “Release A Wiggle.” Now, the case has been voluntarily dismissed according to Billboard, less than three months after it was filed. Reportedly, the court filing didn't mention a settlement agreement, and both parties have yet to comment.

Beyonce, Big Freedia & Da Showstoppaz Lawsuit Dropped

Beyoncé RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR - New York
Beyoncé performs onstage during the "RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR" at MetLife Stadium on July 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood )

Da Showstoppaz previously alleged that the phrase “release yo wiggle,” used in their 2002 track, was "unique." They noted how Big Freedia used similar phrases in her song. When the suit was first filed, Billboard noted that simple phrases like this are typically not protected by Copyright law, meaning that the group was unlikely to secure a victory. Following the release of Beyonce's song, Big Freedia thanked her, saying that she was “honored to be a part of this special moment.”

Legal battles are far from the only things keeping Beyonce busy these days, however. Recently, she also teamed up with NBC to provide Team USA with an iconic introduction during the 2024 Paris Olympics. She later unveiled an uplifting video tribute to Simone Biles' historic performance, which opened with her Cowboy Carter song “Just for Fun." What do you think of Da Showstoppaz voluntarily dropping their lawsuit against Beyonce and Big Freedia over the hitmaker's track "Break My Soul"? Are you surprised or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

About The Author
Caroline Fisher is currently a News Editor at HotNewHipHop. Her time at HotNewHipHop began in 2023 when she began writing about music and pop culture full-time. Since then, she has helped cover major stories including the YSL RICO trial, Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s explosive feud, Diddy’s ongoing legal battle, and awards shows such as the BET Awards. Being from Chicago, she also got the opportunity to attend Summer Smash 2024 and review Chief Keef’s historic homecoming show. She additionally covered sets by Flo Milli, Playboi Carti, Bktherula, and more.

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