Tag: chord progression

Leave a comment

Don Lee v. Lil Nas X and Cardi B (Rodeo)

nftjedi

On Oct. 4, 2019, Don Lee and Glen Keith DeMeritt III, two Atlanta based producers (collectively, Lee), sued Lil Nas X, Cardi B, their label Sony Music, and others. Lee asserts that Lil Nas X and Card B’s hit song “Rodeo” infringes the copyright to Merritt and Lee’s recording called “gwenXdonlee4-142.” According to the Complaint, filed in the Southern District of New York, the copyrighted work consists of “Plaintiffs’ hip-original content, including drum patterns and bass lines with melodic lines and harmonies in unique and compelling ways.” Lee then marketed the hip-hop work for use by others in the Atlanta … Continue reading Don Lee v. Lil Nas X and Cardi B (Rodeo)

Leave a comment

Steve Ronsen v. Lady Gaga (“Shallow”)

nftjedi

On August 8, 2019, Page Six reported that Steve Ronsen, a relatively unknown artist, accused Lady Gaga of copying a 3-chord progression (G, A, B) from his 2012 song “Almost.” The same progression was allegedly used in Lady Gaga’s 2018 hit song “Shallow,” which won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2019. Compare “Almost” with “Shallow” below. Ronsen has not filed a lawsuit yet but reportedly has sought a monetary settlement (and likely songwriting credit) from Lady Gaga. If a lawsuit is filed, Ronsen would have to prove (1) Lady Gaga or her co-writers copied protected expression from Ronsen’s … Continue reading Steve Ronsen v. Lady Gaga (“Shallow”)