Lecrae Is Suing Katy Perry For Copyright Infringement On "Dark Horse"

BYPatrick Lyons43.6K Views
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Christian rapper Lecrae says Katy Perry and her songwriting team took his 2008 song "Joyful Noise," added some "witchcraft, paganism, black magic, and Illuminati imagery," and the song became "Dark Horse."

Katy Perry and Juicy J's "Dark Horse" has certainly been doing work on the charts this year, but not everyone's a fan. Christian rappers Lecrae, Flame and John Reilly are now suing Perry, Juicy, and producers Dr. Luke and Max Martin for the song's allegd similarities to their 2008 song "Joyful Noise."

Huffington Post reports that the suit was filed yesterday, and not only accuses Perry and Co. of ripping off the song and profiting from it, but also of tarnishing the devout MCs' reps. Quoth the lawsuit:

"By any measure, the devoutly religious message of 'Joyful Noise' has been irreparably tarnished by its association with the witchcraft, paganism, black magic, and Illuminati imagery evoked by the same music in 'Dark Horse.' Indeed, the music video of 'Dark Horse' generated widespread accusations of blasphemy and an online petition signed by more than 60,000 demanding removal of an offensive religious image from the video."

Does "Dark Horse" really resemble "Joyful Noise" at all? Decide for yourself-- a side-by-side comparison is below.


About The Author
<b>Feature Writer</b> Ever since he borrowed a copy of "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" from his local library, Patrick's love affair with hip-hop has been on an extended honeymoon phase. He now contributes features to HNHH, hoping to share his knowledge and passion with this site's broad audience. <strong>Favorite Hip Hop Artists:</strong> André 3000, Danny Brown, Kanye, Weezy, Gucci Mane, Action Bronson, MF DOOM, Ghostface Killah <strong>Favorite Producers:</strong> Lex Luger, Kanye (again), RZA, Young Chop, Madlib, J Dilla, Hudson Mohawke
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