Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar Sued Over Unpaid Royalties for “Like That” Sample

Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar are facing a legal battle over unpaid royalties related to the sample used in Drake’s diss track “Like That.” The lawsuit, filed by Rodney O, the artist behind the 1987 classic “Everlasting Bass,” claims that he has not received royalties for the use of his song, and alleges that the proper permissions for the sample were never secured.

The lawsuit extends to the estate of the late Barry White, whose music is sampled in the remix of “Like That” released by Kanye West. Rodney O is also accusing the estate of Barry White of complicating the royalty payments due to its ties with Epic Records. The artist claims that not only has he not been compensated for the use of his song, but he was also left off the songwriting credits when the track was submitted to the Grammys.

Rodney O’s frustrations extend beyond financial matters, as he expressed disappointment over not receiving the full version of the track that included Kendrick Lamar’s notorious verse. Lamar’s contribution, which added fuel to the fire of the diss track, has been widely discussed in the music industry for its bold lyrics and impact on hip-hop culture.

A representative for Metro Boomin responded to the suit, telling TMZ that they did indeed secure the rights to the “Everlasting Bass” sample and paid Rodney O a $50,000 sum. The rep further suggested that Rodney O’s grievances should be directed towards the estate of Barry White, which may be holding up the royalty payments through their dealings with Epic Records.

The estate of Barry White has yet to comment on the lawsuit, leaving the situation clouded in uncertainty. In a previous interview with Vibe, Rodney O mentioned the process of clearing the sample for “Like That.” He explained that while he was aware of the song’s success, he was caught off guard when he learned Kendrick Lamar was featured on the track, as he had not received the final version prior to its release. This detail appears to support his claims of being excluded from key aspects of the song’s production.

The controversy surrounding “Like That” is just one chapter in the larger narrative of sample clearance and royalty disputes that frequently arise in the music industry. As artists and producers continue to face challenges with sample rights and proper compensation, this legal battle is yet another reminder of the complexities behind music collaborations and the financial stakes involved.

With the lawsuit ongoing, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds and whether it sheds light on the inner workings of sample clearance in modern hip-hop.