Rappers stand up for themselves
Top-selling rappers Kanye West and Ludacris won a copyright infringement trial when a New York City jury concluded their 2003 hit “Stand Up” did not copy a tune by New Jersey musicians.
“I hope the plaintiffs enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame,” Ludacris said after the verdict was announced Thursday. “This whole experience is proof to me of why I will always fight for what I believe in.”
Ludacris said he never doubted the jury would agree that the song he and West created did not sound like “Straight Like That,” a tune created by an East Orange, N.J., group named I.O.F., or It’s Only Family.
Jeff Billingsley, a plaintiff and owner of Cobble One Records, of Newark, N.J., said the verdict will be appealed.
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