Nicki Minaj has agreed to pay Tracy Chapman almost half a million dollars after Chapman sued her for taking her work without permission. Chapman was victorious after suing Minaj for her track “Sorry,” which sampled Chapman’s song “Baby Can I Hold You.” Chapman has accepted Minaj’s offer of judgment, and will not proceed to a trial. In addition to paying $450,000, Minaj will also have to cover Chapman’s legal fees.
Minaj had asked for Chapman’s permission to sample her song “Baby Can I Hold You” while making her 2018 album “Queen” but was rejected. That track, “Sorry,” was not released with the album, but it was allegedly leaked by Minaj to popular New York radio DJ Funkmaster Flex, prompting Chapman to file a lawsuit.
Chapman said in a statement after winning her lawsuit: “I am glad to have this matter resolved and grateful for this legal outcome which affirms that artists’ rights are protected by law and should be respected by other artists. I was asked in this situation numerous times for permission to use my song; in each instance, politely and in a timely manner, I unequivocally said no. Apparently Ms. Minaj chose not to hear and used my composition despite my clear and express intentions.”
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