Highlighting the for Dear Mama Lawsuit That has the Industry Shaken
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Twenty-eight years after its release, Tupac’s iconic track ‘Dear Mama’ becomes the subject of a copyright infringement lawsuit.
The late Tupac Shakur’s legendary hit, “Dear Mama,” has become the subject of a copyright infringement lawsuit, 28 years after its release. Terence Thomas, known as Master Tee, credited as a producer on the track, alleges that producer Tony D. Pizzaro conspired with executives at Interscope Records and its parent company Universal Music Group (UMG) to obscure his role in creating the track and deprive him of his publishing and master recording copyrights.
Public interest in the song was renewed this year between the release of the five-part Hulu docuseries, “Dear Mama,” as well as the recent breaks in the case surrounding Tupac’s murder.
“While defendants will invariably use the passage of time to attempt a defense, it is noteworthy that only this year has the prime suspect in 2Pac’s 1996 murder been arrested,” reads the complaint. “Master Tee did not until very recently appreciate that the royalties which he was deriving from BMI were actually much less than he should have been receiving had his creative work been credited as it should have been from the outset.”
The lawsuit states that Master Tee, who has worked as a New York City bus driver for the past 26 years, is “not a sophisticated business person,” and was not aware that he should receive publishing royalties in addition to his producer royalties, until he saw the “Dear Mama” docuseries earlier this year.
The complaint argues that the three-year limit on filing a copyright infringement claim has not yet run out in this case, as Master Tee only learned of the alleged infringement this year. That argument has sometimes been accepted by US federal appeals courts in the past.
Master Tee’s involvement in the song’s creation is further asserted to in a 1996 interview pointed to in the filing, in which Tupac says “Master Tee gave me the beat.” The complaint also includes a handwritten note (allegedly written by Tupac) that lists Master Tee among the song’s producers, as well as a link to the song’s demo, which includes Master Tee’s name on a producer tag at the beginning.
“While 2Pac was incarcerated and without initial consent from 2Pac, and without ever receiving any consent from Master Tee, Pizarro took the master recording of ‘Dear Mama’ and made unilateral changes at the bequest of Interscope Records, which Pizarro intended would eliminate Master Tee’s legitimate ownership of copyright,” alleges the filing.
Further, the complaint asserts that the remixed tape reels generated by Pizarro and dated July 1994 were derived from and are the “slave versions of the original 2 inch master tape” created in 1993 by 2Pac and Master Tee.
The lawsuit seeks a declaration from the judge that Master Tee is a co-writer and co-publisher on the track, as well as an injunction preventing the defendants from collecting royalties until the matter is settled. The filing also seeks an accounting of the money Master Tee is allegedly owed, plus damages and other charges.
Music Through the Ages > Lesser known facts about how music shaped the world
The evolution of UK hip-hop since the 1990s has been marked by a dynamic blend of global influences and a distinctive British identity. In the '90s, artists like Rodney P and London Posse pioneered the genre, infusing it with local flavor and addressing UK-specific social issues. The underground scene thrived, fostering diverse voices.
The 2000s witnessed the rise of grime, with artists such as Dizzee Rascal and Wiley gaining mainstream recognition. Grime's rapid beats, sharp lyrics, and electronic influences defined a new era and resonated with a younger audience.
In the 2010s, UK hip-hop continued to evolve with artists like Stormzy, Dave, and Little Simz, who emphasized lyricism and social commentary. Their global success highlighted the genre's ability to address universal themes while maintaining a distinct cultural identity.
Incorporating UK drill, characterised by dark beats and gritty narratives, further expanded the genre. Drill artists like Headie One and Digga D pushed boundaries, reflecting the realities of urban life and challenging perceptions.
In summary, the evolution of UK hip-hop post-1990s is a story of innovation and resilience, from the early days of British hip-hop to the global impact of grime and the diverse sounds of the 2010s. UK hip-hop continues to reinvent itself, contributing significantly to the global hip-hop landscape.
Sinusoidal Spotlight > Our pick of the latest indie releases
Hailing from Assam, indie folk pop singer-songwriter Aanchal Bordoloi has been carving a name for herself in Indian indie music. Her single releases in 2022, Whiskey Blues and Void, were very warmly received, with the former figuring in Rolling Stone India’s ‘Best Indian Independent Singles of 2022’. Human relationships and the dilemmas surrounding them form her primary lyrical themes.
Playlist of the week > Sinusoidal’s assortment of trending playlists for every mood
Looking for the best lyrical hip-hop playlist on YouTube? Look no further! Our carefully curated collection of the most lyrically skilled hip-hop artists in the game is sure to satisfy your cravings for intelligent wordplay, clever rhymes, and hard-hitting beats. From old-school bops to underground gems, our playlist has it all. Get ready to experience an exquisite journey through rhythm & poetry!