Common Mistake: Rapper Sued Over Sample

Hip Hop artist Common is being taken to court for sampling a song that he did not obtain the proper rights to. Songwriters Andrew Marks and London McDaniels are suing Common for using their song “When Will the Day Come” without permission on his track “Take it EZ”.

Here’s the twist: Common actually acknowledged sampling the song on a downloadable version of “Take it EZ”. 

If the law degree I obtained by sending away 5 UPCs and $4.95 shipping and handling tells me anything, it’s that it’s not plagiarism if you admit you are stealing, right? (Please say yes, my career depends upon it)