lizzo Calls Sampling Laws “Racially charged,” Highlighting Historical Barriers for Black Artists
NEW YORK, NY – Lizzo recently voiced strong criticism of current copyright laws surrounding music sampling, arguing they disproportionately impact Black artists and stem from a historical pattern of undervaluing Black creativity. Speaking on the Million Dollaz Worth Of Game podcast, lizzo detailed how restrictive sampling rules have historically stifled innovation within hip-hop, a genre built on the practice of repurposing existing sounds.
Lizzo explained that sampling emerged from necessity for early hip-hop artists in the 1980s and ’90s, who often lacked access to professional studios and instead utilized readily available vinyl records – sometimes their parents’ – to create new music. “They were sampling records because they didn’t have access to big studios,” she said,emphasizing the ingenuity born from limited resources.
She specifically referenced the legal battles faced by Biz Markie over his 1991 hit “Alone Again,” noting how such disputes led to albums being removed from circulation. Lizzo argued that framing sampling as “theft,” notably within Black culture, is problematic. “The theft of it all, putting theft on black culture, that’s the part that kind of turns me off,” she stated, suggesting a racial bias in how these laws are applied and perceived.
Lizzo’s comments underscore the complex relationship between copyright law and artistic expression, particularly within a genre like hip-hop where sampling is integral to its identity. The artist’s remarks come as she prepares to collaborate on Cardi B’s upcoming album, Am I The Drama?, set to release on September 19.
