Shenseea is still celebrating the release of her album ‘Alpha’, but it looks like she has some legal troubles on the horizon!
According to documents obtained by Dancehall Mag, Shenseea and her label Interscope Records are facing a $ 10 million copyright lawsuit for sampling ‘Work’ produced by Anastas Hackett. Hackett filed the suit alleging Shenseea and her team used the sample in her single ‘Lick’ featuring Megan Thee Stallion without the proper clearance.
The document cited that Shenseea, Interscope Records, Atal Music Limited and Alexandre Escolier released the song “without authority or consent” from the plaintiffs and “without providing proper credit to the plaintiffs.”
Hackett and his compare are seeking over $ 10 million in damages, including profits accrued from ‘Lick’ and attorney’s fees.
“In January 2022, the defenders were placed on notice that they were using Plaintiff’s work without authorization and that they are infringing Plaintiffs’ copyright, however, the defenders have failed to correct their actions,” the documents state. “Instead, the defenders continue to reply on their knowingly false claim to their alleged right to publish plaintiffs’ work, notwithstanding them having knowledge that said claim was false.”
Hackett specified Shenseea’s use of “put your back in it” is evidence of the presence of ‘Work’ throughout her song.
“In effect, the use of the phrase ‘put your back in it’ is integral to the overall rhythmic feel of the new work and is a continual reminder of its relationship to the original song.”
Shenseea responded to the allegations during an Instagram live session two days after the song’s release.
‘Why would we end up using a sample from somebody else’s song that was done I 2006 or five and not clear the song… Like, before you guys like look at the bigger picture and be like’ Yo, Shenseea is repping for Caribbean ‘ y’all trying to say I stole somebaddy song. Stop f * cking with me! Cause that’s so stupid. “
Shenseea’s co-manager spoke with Dancehall Mag on Thursday saying, “Dat could neva happen cause a big label like dat woulda clear everything.”
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