Nicki Minaj to pay $450,000 to Tracy Chapman as she avoids court trial in song copyright battle
NICKI Minaj will pay $450,000 to Tracy Chapman to avoid a court trial in a song copyright battle.
The court war been set for trial after Tracy, 56, sued Nicki, 38, for using a sample of her 1988 song Baby Can I Hold You.
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Nicki Minaj will pay $450,000 to Tracy ChapmanCredit: EPA
The Super Bass singer used the sample for her track Sorry.
The song is a collaboration with Nas that was never officially released, but was played on New York radio station Hot 97.
Documents reveal an out-of-court settlement was made between the parties.
Nicki had reportedly approached Tracy to use a sample of her music on the album Queen, but her request was rejected.“I’m torn, y’all help,” Nicki tweeted in 2018. “Tracy Chapman, can you please hit me. omg for the love of #Queen.”
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Tracy sued the rapper after she took a sample of one of her songsCredit: Getty Images
Nicki had also openly considered delaying the album to wait for a response.
However, Tracy said in a statement: “I am glad to have this matter resolved and grateful for this legal outcome which affirms that artists’ rights are protected by law and should be respected by other artists.
“I was asked in this situation numerous times for permission to use my song; in each instance, politely and in a timely manner, I unequivocally said no.
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Nicki has agreed to an out-of-court settlementCredit: Splash News
“Apparently Ms Minaj chose not to hear and used my composition despite my clear and express intentions.”
It’s reported that Tracy is on a “do not sample” list of artists who don’t give the rights to use their work.
Nicki has yet to release a statement on the matter.
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Tracy is reportedly on a ‘do not sample’ list of artistsCredit: AP:Associated Press
Meanwhile, in more happier news for Nicki, she is settling into life with her new baby.
Last week she shared the first photos of her son, as the 3-month-old rocked a $600 Fendi onesie, a Rolex, and a chain with the nickname “Papa Bear.”
The rapper, who welcomed her son with husband Kenneth Petty, kept most of her pregnancy a secret and gave birth on September 30.
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Nicki recently shared a photo of her son wearing a diamond chain and bracelet, a Rolex and a Fendi onesieCredit: Instagram
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He also rocked luxury brand sneakersCredit: Instagram
Along with the adorable snaps, she revealed her nickname for him, saying: “#PapaBear thank you so very much for choosing me to be your mama.
“Wishing you guys a happy & prosperous New Year. Thank you for your love & support throughout this journey. It’s meant so much to me.
“Becoming a mom is by far the most fulfilling job I’ve ever taken on. Sending love to all the superhero mothers out there.
“Big hugs to all the women who have been pregnant during this challenging time.”
Back in October, The Sun confirmed that Nicki had given birth to her first child with Kenneth.
The Bang Bang singer, who got married last year, announced she was pregnant in July with a glam shot of herself cradling her bump on social media.
Is Nicki Minaj pregnant?
