Plies Files Lawsuit Over Alleged Song Sampling by Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Soulja Boy
Rapper Plies is taking legal action against several big-name artists over alleged unauthorized sampling of one of his songs. On November 6, Plies filed a copyright infringement suit, naming Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Soulja Boy as defendants. The lawsuit has sparked a flurry of reactions, particularly centered around Megan and GloRilla, with many fans criticizing Plies for what they perceive as an attack on Black women.
In response to the backlash, Plies’ attorney, Aaron J. Thornton, has issued a public statement to clarify the rapper’s intentions. Thornton stressed that the lawsuit is not a personal attack on the artists involved, but rather a move to hold record labels accountable for what he claims is improper procedure regarding sampling rights.
“This lawsuit isn’t a strategically timed attack against Black women,” Thornton stated. “Plies has said a lot of meaningful and important things in support of Black women.” According to Thornton, the primary target of the lawsuit is Universal Music Group, as Plies believes the label failed to follow proper copyright protocols.
“This is a lawsuit where the first name up who has the actual pockets here is Universal Music Group,” Thornton explained. “My communication is directed to the record labels, the people who actually own the music.” He reiterated that Plies holds Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla in high regard. “The artists are wonderful artists,” he concluded. “This isn’t an attack on any of these artists.”
Despite Thornton’s clarifications, the lawsuit has already drawn responses from those connected to the artists. LilJuMadeDaBeat, the producer behind Megan Thee Stallion’s “Wanna Be,” took to social media to refute Plies’ claim.
“’My Dougie’ came out in 2006, ‘Me & My Goons’ came out in 2008,” Lil Ju tweeted, referencing the release dates of the original songs involved. “Big E, the producer of ‘My Dougie,’ is credited on ‘Wanna Be.’”
The discrepancy in release dates and the credited samples could potentially complicate Plies’ case. While LilJuMadeDaBeat’s defense adds another layer to the narrative, Plies has yet to publicly address the producer’s comments.
As the situation unfolds, the industry and fans alike are closely watching to see how this legal battle develops and whether it will lead to significant repercussions for the artists or the record labels involved.