50 Cent and Rick Ross remain entwined in the eternal dance.
Ah, the perilous dangers mixtapes. Though many aspiring artists have fallen upon the “it’s free therefore we can use it” defense, the danger running afoul a prickly businessman forever lies in wait. How many up-and-comers have actually put in the money to clear samples or took proper efforts to handle licensing practices? Sometimes, even an A-lister can fumble. You may recall Rick Ross having used Fif’s “In Da Club” instrumental on his Renzel Remixes Project, a curious move given their status as mortal enemies. Perhaps his intention was strictly in the name one-upmanship, a desecration one’s sacred territory.
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In any case, 50 Cent was not amused and sicced the legal eagles accordingly. Even today, the dance continues. Though a judge previously defenestrated the lawsuit over 50’s lack “In Da Club” ownership (the masters are apparently owned by Shady Records), AllHipHop confirms that Fif’s lawyers are attempting to sway the judge’s mind. The main crux their argument is that Renzel used Fif’s brand to market his upcoming Black Market album, as detailed by the following snippets legalese:
Mr. Roberts explicit advertisement for Black Market clearly constitutes commercial speech, notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Roberts chose the vehicle a song to deliver the repeated sales pitch ‘only on the Black Market…December 4th…the album is out. Mr. Jackson does not challenge the unauthorized use his voice in a purely entertainment work,” 50’s lawyer Frederick A. Braunstein said. “He challenges the unauthorized use his voice as part an advertisement for a collateral product, Black Market, for which he has no connection to whatsoever. “
Clearly, 50 Cent is not about to let this one slide. It’s no secret that Renzel and Fif have no love lost for one another, having exchanged shots as recently as this summer. Should the judge find himself swayed by this revised argument, it’s possible that Renzel will find himself forced to pay up accordingly. But worse, he’ll feel the sting a validated 50 Cent, who may very well be waging the war on the basis pride alone. And so goes the waltz.