Flo Milli Hit with Copyright Lawsuit Over “Never Lose Me” Sampling Dispute
Baltimore, MD – June 28, 2024 – Rising rap star Flo Milli is facing a copyright infringement lawsuit stemming from her 2023 hit single, “Never Lose Me.” the lawsuit, filed friday, alleges the song illegally samples a beat exclusively licensed to a baltimore songwriter four years prior.
The legal action also targets Detroit rappers Babyface Ray and 42 Dugg, whose 2023 track “Ron Artest” allegedly served as the source of the infringing sample. According to court documents, songwriter Shamar Deal claims he purchased an exclusive license to the beat “Youu” – produced by gerreaux Katana – through the online marketplace Traktrain in 2019, with the license intended to last a decade.
Deal alleges that Katana violated this exclusive agreement in 2023 by re-licensing “Youu” to Babyface Ray and 42 Dugg for use in “Ron Artest.” Flo Milli then reportedly sampled “Ron Artest” in her song “Never Lose Me,” which peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“As plaintiff currently holds the exclusive right to the composition, the incorporation of the composition in ‘Ron Artest’ and ‘Never Lose Me’ constitutes copyright infringement,” the lawsuit states.
This case highlights the increasing complexities surrounding music sampling and the importance of securing proper licensing agreements.Further updates will be provided as the case develops.
Keywords: Flo Milli, Babyface Ray, 42 dugg, Copyright Lawsuit, Music Sampling, “Never Lose Me”, “Ron Artest”, Shamar Deal, Gerreaux Katana, Traktrain, Billboard Hot 100.
