Snoop Dogg and a number of other West Coast rappers are being sued by a legendary bassist who claims the artists illegally sampled a record and never paid him. Michael Henderson cut his teeth touring with Stevie Wonder and recording extensively with Miles Davis, before he launched a successful solo career and released eight critically acclaimed albums. His music has been sampled by artists like Jay-Z, Eminem, Notorious B.I.G. and others.

Lawyers for Henderson filed a lawsuit against Snoop Dogg, MC Eiht, Goldie Lo, Kam, Doggy Style Records and Universal Music on Tuesday (July 6th). According to the lawsuit, which was filed in the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District, Snoop and company illegally sampled “Riding,” a song on Henderson’s 1979 album Do It All. Henderson accuses the rappers of incorporating his music into their song “Riding” and also “Hands on the Wheel,“ which were both available for stream, download and purchase.

In the complaint, Henderson claims “Flashbacks” featuring Warzone (Goldie Loc, Kam and MC Eiht) was released on a mixtape, which was used to promote Snoop’s album Ego Trippin’, which was released in March of 2008. Henderson also says “Hands on the Wheel” illegally incorporated his music and was used to boost ticket sales for Snoop’s West Fest tour in June of 2008. Henderson is suing for copyright infringement, unfair competition and unjust enrichment. He is seeking unspecified damages in a trial by jury. This is a suit I cannot see Snoop Dogg winning, but I dont fault Snoop as the Label is supposed to get all samples cleared so they will be the ones writing Michael a Fat check.

Source : hiphopstarship.com

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