http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/features/id.380
Who Wrote Lean Back!?!
Monday - February 21, 2005
Albert McCluster III
An HHDX Follow-up By Virginia Correspondent Talithia Kelly
As stated in a HHDX exclusive report, allegations have been made against Joseph Cartegena a.k.a. Fat Joe regarding the hit song, “Lean Back.” The allegations state that Fat Joe ripped off a local VA artist, Christopher Chapman a.k.a. Face Dirty (whom also refers to himself as the “Rap Sheriff” because he’s bringing justice to the rap game), for the concept, hook, and melody of “Lean Back.”
In reference to these allegations the response from the Terror Squad camp has been minimal. There has yet to be an official comment made by Universal, Fat Joe’s attorneys, or his publicist. The attorney for Face Dirty has contacted the attorneys but no sit down arrangements have been made as of yet. In a sense, seems the potential lawsuit is being taken frivolously on Fat Joe’s behalf.
At one point in time there was an A&R rep that will remain nameless, who was willing to testify on behalf of Face Dirty, but for fear of compromising his job or “rocking the boat” the rep backed down. There’s further confirmation that other playas in the music industry stated, “Lean Back” was out of Fat Joe’s character. So what’s really good?
According to Duncan Byers, the attorney for Face Dirty, there are grounds for a potential lawsuit, if and when they decide to pursue the suit further. At this current time no real detailed information regarding the case is being given. They are still in the process of “putting the pieces together” and lining up the right people to testify. In other words, they want to make sure they have all of their ducks in a row, so to speak.
Face Dirty and his attorney have given Universal until February 24th, to negotiate a settlement or else he will be moving forward with a court date.
Why are the attorneys for Fat Joe and the Terror Squad not willing to sit down and resolve the issue?
When the publicist for Fat Joe, Aimee Morris was contacted she stated that she knew nothing of the matter and therefore had no comment except that she “would talk to Joe.” Further, who is the Universal A&R representative responsible for this fowl up?
After the February 24th deadline if no settlement or agreement is reached names and full documentation from Face Dirty's attorney and Universal along with the A&R’s name will be released here on HHDX.
To clearly understand the severity of the matter, check out the song for yourself. Listen to Face Dirty’s lyrics to Fat Joe’s track and decide for yourself. At first glance there seems to be no common elements, but when stripped down to a basic hook and melody, the verse speaks for itself.
Often times copyright infringement suits are overlooked simply because the “little man” doesn’t have the time nor the funds to fight sufficiently and because of this major record labels and major recording artists get over. Christopher Chapman, however, is one “little man” who refuses to let this issue go.
Is this particular case another example of the industry stealing from unknown artists and then sweeping the matter under the rug? Are they hoping that Face Dirty vanishes into thin air? There seems to be either a lack of communication or a lack of sensitivity to this issue...perhaps both.
For now it looks like there’s going to be a long legal battle a head of Fat Joe if nobody owns up to the matter within the week.
In essence, did Fat Joe or his representatives “steal” Face Dirty’s hook and make it a commercial success?
There are loopholes and contradictory statements regarding the little bit of dialog Universal did allow. For example, the statement they made regarding the as yet to be named A&R. Supposedly, the A&R did solicit music from Face...BUT, according to Universal, their rep did not open the package sent by Face Dirty.
If this is so, then why did the rep discuss in detail with Face Dirty numerous tracks on his CD including, “Lean Back.” How was discussion of Face's music possible when the A&R hadn't opened the package to review the music? Furthermore, a copy of Face Dirty’s copyrighted material was requested by Universal. Why?
According to Mr. Byers, he doesn’t believe in coincidences. He has heard the two versions of “Lean Back” and has seen the two videos, in which case he notes, “the dances are very similar.” When “Lean Back” was released, Fat Joe stated he had made up a new dance. Who is entitled to the credit? Face Dirty or Fat Joe?
In the eyes of the law, there seems to be legal precedence to proceed with this case if no prior settlements are made.
Face Dirty's The REAL Lean Back" is featured on HHDX Hot Traxx check it out and be on the lookout for our upcoming interview with Fat Joe. Stay up with HHDX for more regarding this case.
Here's dude's version http://www.hiphopdx.com/audio/hottr...y-lean_back.ram
Face Dirty is looking for comment from interested parties and can be reached via email:
[email protected]
Who Wrote Lean Back!?!
Monday - February 21, 2005
Albert McCluster III
An HHDX Follow-up By Virginia Correspondent Talithia Kelly
As stated in a HHDX exclusive report, allegations have been made against Joseph Cartegena a.k.a. Fat Joe regarding the hit song, “Lean Back.” The allegations state that Fat Joe ripped off a local VA artist, Christopher Chapman a.k.a. Face Dirty (whom also refers to himself as the “Rap Sheriff” because he’s bringing justice to the rap game), for the concept, hook, and melody of “Lean Back.”
In reference to these allegations the response from the Terror Squad camp has been minimal. There has yet to be an official comment made by Universal, Fat Joe’s attorneys, or his publicist. The attorney for Face Dirty has contacted the attorneys but no sit down arrangements have been made as of yet. In a sense, seems the potential lawsuit is being taken frivolously on Fat Joe’s behalf.
At one point in time there was an A&R rep that will remain nameless, who was willing to testify on behalf of Face Dirty, but for fear of compromising his job or “rocking the boat” the rep backed down. There’s further confirmation that other playas in the music industry stated, “Lean Back” was out of Fat Joe’s character. So what’s really good?
According to Duncan Byers, the attorney for Face Dirty, there are grounds for a potential lawsuit, if and when they decide to pursue the suit further. At this current time no real detailed information regarding the case is being given. They are still in the process of “putting the pieces together” and lining up the right people to testify. In other words, they want to make sure they have all of their ducks in a row, so to speak.
Face Dirty and his attorney have given Universal until February 24th, to negotiate a settlement or else he will be moving forward with a court date.
Why are the attorneys for Fat Joe and the Terror Squad not willing to sit down and resolve the issue?
When the publicist for Fat Joe, Aimee Morris was contacted she stated that she knew nothing of the matter and therefore had no comment except that she “would talk to Joe.” Further, who is the Universal A&R representative responsible for this fowl up?
After the February 24th deadline if no settlement or agreement is reached names and full documentation from Face Dirty's attorney and Universal along with the A&R’s name will be released here on HHDX.
To clearly understand the severity of the matter, check out the song for yourself. Listen to Face Dirty’s lyrics to Fat Joe’s track and decide for yourself. At first glance there seems to be no common elements, but when stripped down to a basic hook and melody, the verse speaks for itself.
Often times copyright infringement suits are overlooked simply because the “little man” doesn’t have the time nor the funds to fight sufficiently and because of this major record labels and major recording artists get over. Christopher Chapman, however, is one “little man” who refuses to let this issue go.
Is this particular case another example of the industry stealing from unknown artists and then sweeping the matter under the rug? Are they hoping that Face Dirty vanishes into thin air? There seems to be either a lack of communication or a lack of sensitivity to this issue...perhaps both.
For now it looks like there’s going to be a long legal battle a head of Fat Joe if nobody owns up to the matter within the week.
In essence, did Fat Joe or his representatives “steal” Face Dirty’s hook and make it a commercial success?
There are loopholes and contradictory statements regarding the little bit of dialog Universal did allow. For example, the statement they made regarding the as yet to be named A&R. Supposedly, the A&R did solicit music from Face...BUT, according to Universal, their rep did not open the package sent by Face Dirty.
If this is so, then why did the rep discuss in detail with Face Dirty numerous tracks on his CD including, “Lean Back.” How was discussion of Face's music possible when the A&R hadn't opened the package to review the music? Furthermore, a copy of Face Dirty’s copyrighted material was requested by Universal. Why?
According to Mr. Byers, he doesn’t believe in coincidences. He has heard the two versions of “Lean Back” and has seen the two videos, in which case he notes, “the dances are very similar.” When “Lean Back” was released, Fat Joe stated he had made up a new dance. Who is entitled to the credit? Face Dirty or Fat Joe?
In the eyes of the law, there seems to be legal precedence to proceed with this case if no prior settlements are made.
Face Dirty's The REAL Lean Back" is featured on HHDX Hot Traxx check it out and be on the lookout for our upcoming interview with Fat Joe. Stay up with HHDX for more regarding this case.
Here's dude's version http://www.hiphopdx.com/audio/hottr...y-lean_back.ram
Face Dirty is looking for comment from interested parties and can be reached via email:
[email protected]