Tracy Chapman is the type of artist that seems to be focused on principle and authenticity instead of most glitzy things we see revered in the entertainment business. As someone who values integrity, Chapman is reportedly pursuing legal action against Nicki Minaj, according to TMZ.
Her issue with the rapper lies in a song entitled "Sorry." From her perspective, the track Nicki wrote and recorded with fellow rapper Nas was ripped directly from her own hit called "Baby Can I Hold You."
Reps of the Queen artist did, in fact, ask Chapman multiple times for her permission to license "Baby Can I Hold You" in June, and each request was rejected. Queen was even pushed back in hopes of acquiring the rights to use the sample.
Although "Sorry" didn't make it to the final version of Queen, it did make the rounds on the internet after being played on Hot 97 by Funkmaster Flex. It also got some rotation on The Breakfast Club. Even though Nicki's team is said to have tried to make the track unavailable for consumers, the lawsuit claims the damage has already been done.
Chapman is seeking damages in the form of financial compensation for the use of her art without permission. Nicki's team incessant requests followed by the leak could definitely be viewed as a disregard for the artist's relationship to her creative property.