Kendrick Lamar facing legal action over 2011 song ‘Rigamortis’

Eric Reed and Willie Jones III of former jazz ensemble Black Note are suing US rapper

Kendrick Lamar is facing legal action from two jazz musicians following claims of plagiarism.

As reported by TMZ, Eric Reed and Willie Jones III of former jazz ensemble Black Note, are suing Lamar over his alleged use of their music in his 2011 hit ‘Rigamortis’, claiming the material was taken directly from their 2010 track, entitled ‘The Thorn’. Hear both songs side by side below.



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According to the lawsuit filed by the two musicians, Lamar took the theme they had written and added lyrics to it. A statement issued by the duo claims that “‘The Thorn’ isn’t merely part of ‘Rigamortis’… it is ‘Rigamortis.'” The pair are suing the hip-hop artist for at least $1 million, and are seeking profits and all rights to ‘Rigamortis’.

Earlier today Lamar’s collaboration with Flying Lotus, entitled ‘Never Catch Me’ was revealed online. The US rapper is preparing to release a new album in the winter of 2014, following the success of 2012’s ‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’ and ‘Section.80’, the album containing ‘Rigamortis’. The US rapper recently confirmed that Dr Dre will again be producing the album.

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