Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug & Gunna Sued For $1M over the sample
January 7, 2023 January 7, 2023 James Isaacs
Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug and Gunna have been accused of stealing the sample for their collaborative song "Strawberry Peels".
According to TMZ Hip Hop Uzi, Thug and Gunna are being sued by Sun City Publishing for allegedly sampling Blackout's 1995 song "Dim Da Lights" without permission. The rappers' labels, Atlantic and Generation Now, as well as "Strawberry Peels" producer Wheezy, are also named in the lawsuit.
According to court documents, Sun City never gave Uzi permission to use the sample of the track. And because "Strawberry Peels" has proven to be a hit — with over 39 million Spotify streams, more than four million plays on YouTube and grossed over $1 million — Sun City wants at least that amount in damages.
"Strawberry Peels" was featured on Lil Uzi Vert's perpetual attack album that was released in 2020. The song finds the trio rapping about their frequent drug use and excessive jewelry. Blackout's "Dim da Lights" was featured on the Memphis rap group's 1995 album Dream world.
The lawsuit is just the latest legal headache for Young Thug and Gunna, who were indicted last year in a massive RICO case against their Young Slime Life (YSL) collectivewho prosecutors allege is a "criminal street gang" behind a series of violent crimes in and around Atlanta.
Gunna secured his freedom by pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy charge on December 14 and was subsequently released from prison. He was sentenced to five years with one year served, which accounts for the time he had spent behind bars since his arrest in May.
Lil Wayne, Birdman and Rich Homie Quan on State's Witness List in Young Thug RICO Case
It's Thug, on the other hand faces eight out of 65 possible charges. These include conspiracy to violate RICO and two counts of participating in criminal street gang activity, which were filed when the rapper was originally indicted.
He has also been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of codeine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm and possession of a machine gun.
The trial is due to begin on January 9 and is expected to last just over six months.
Previous: 11 life-changing beauty hacks we learned from derms, makeup artists and more
Next: Sick Trailer Previews Pandemic-Themed Slasher Movie From Scream Writer