With the Ed Sheeran copyright infringement lawsuit now underway, it's quite the dark and dangerous time for musical creativity. Now, another lawsuit in that vein hit the rap world, this time holding 50 Cent and Fat Joe as the culprits. Moreover, Maryland-based producer David W. Smith claimed that the 2000s hits "Candy Shop" and "Lean Back" ripped off his work. Furthermore, he pointed to a collaboration with rapper Moe Wet titled "WHACHACOM4?," released in 2003, in his lawsuit filed last Thursday (April 27). According to Music Business Worldwide, the copyright infringement lawsuit compares the three tracks' musical notations and waveforms to make its case.
Of course, both accused songs were among the biggest rap singles of that decade, with both topping the Billboard Hot 100. "Lean Back" by Fat Joe and Terror Squad achieved gold status, whereas "Candy Shop" by 50 Cent is certified five times platinum. In addition to those two MCs, the suit named fellow Terror Squad rapper Remy Ma and producer Scott Storch, who worked on both tracks, as defendants. Also, the complaint alleges that these actors "made millions of dollars from their exploitation."
50 Cent & Fat Joe Allegedly Stole From This Song
What's more is that Storch and Smith allegedly had similar connections to record pools in New York City that would've allowed for overlap. Specifically, the suit named Spinners Unlimited Record Pool (S.U.R.E.), Top Upward Sizzlers (Prime Movers), and New & Hot S.U.R.E. Shots. Another claim Smith brought forward is that he and Storch both "received weekly communications as to the performance of releases on their respective labels." The suit also clarifies that they secured copyright for "WHACHACOM4?" on April 22, 2022, yet it doesn't explain why it took so long for them to do so. Smith sought royalties from each track, as well as damages and legal fees in the lawsuit.
Meanwhile, Fat Joe and 50 Cent were actually rivals when these accused tracks came out, engaging in a public spat at the 2005 Video Music Awards. In fact, that feud resulted in the Terror Squad boss losing a $20 million endorsement deal with Air Jordan. Regardless, now they have a front to unite against, and it will be interesting to see if this sets a precedent for future cases. For the latest updates on Fat Joe and 50 Cent, stick around on HNHH.