Have you heard the buzz about NLE Choppa’s new freestyle featuring a sample from Mike Jones’s classic hit, “Still Tipping”? Well, it’s become a heated battle in the music industry, and the drama is far from over. Here’s the lowdown: Mike Jones, the original artist, claims that NLE Choppa should’ve approached him correctly before using the sample and took action to have the song taken down. On the other hand, NLE Choppa argues that Mike Jones doesn’t have the rights to the original record. So, who’s in the right here? Let’s break it down.
First things first, Mike Jones still owns the record and holds writer and publisher shares in it. Warner also owns a portion of the control rights. In other words, they have a say in how the sample from “Still Tipping” can be used. But where did NLE Choppa’s team go wrong in this situation?
At Mezzo Agency, we deal with sample clearances regularly, so we know the ins and outs of the process. When using a sample in your music, you must get clearance from all the parties involved. This means reaching out to the record label if the original work has been released to the public. It doesn’t matter if you’ve put your own spin on it; both the publishing side and the sound recording side (controlled by the record label) need clearance.
Now, here’s the crucial point: major publishers receive countless sample clearance requests. They have to coordinate with the original writers for approval, which can take months. If they decide not to clear the sample, it could be because they weren’t offered enough compensation or they simply didn’t like the new use of their work. In this case, Mike Jones and Warner had every right to deny the clearance, effectively blocking the release of NLE Choppa’s track. And if the song is released without clearance, they have the power to take it down.
It’s important to understand that even if you’re a famous or popular artist, business matters when it comes to sample clearances. The original writers and owners of the publishing copyright have a say in how their work is used, and they can issue a takedown notice if their rights are violated.
So, the lesson for everyone is crystal clear: if your song includes a sample, do your homework and make sure to get it cleared by all the relevant parties. Don’t assume that because you’ve added your own touch to it, you’re in the clear. Both sides, the publishing and the sound recording, need clearance, and it’s a process that should not be taken lightly.
If you’re an artist looking to use samples in your music, make sure to go through the proper clearance and licensing process. The Mezzo Agency can help you navigate this important step in the music-making process. Click here to learn more about our Clearance Licensing Form.