80s Hip Hop Group The Showboys Win $1 Million Lawsuit After Their “Drag Rap” Song Was Sampled Over 231 Times
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Iconic ’80s hip-hop group, The Showboys, simply scored a significant authorized victory. Last week, they gained a $1 million lawsuit in opposition to Universal Music Group, reclaiming what was rightfully theirs after their track “Drag Rap,” also referred to as “Triggaman,” was sampled in 231 rap songs over time. Read extra inside.
Since 2013, The Showboys have been quietly accumulating royalties from a number of the samples, however only some of these 231 tracks had been formally cleared and paid for. “Drag Rap” has been a staple in hip-hop, particularly in Louisiana’s vibrant rap scene, the place its infectious beat turned the spine of the area’s bounce music and closely influenced the native sound.
“Triggaman” first gained traction within the late ’80s however noticed its cultural imprint deepen within the ’90s, because it turned the go-to pattern for DJs and producers throughout the South. The Showboys, who first dropped “Drag Rap” in 1986, by no means imagined their observe would turn out to be such an integral a part of hip-hop historical past. But with that affect got here widespread, unauthorized use — till now.
Several artists have borrowed sounds from the favored Showboys track like Drake’s hit single “In My Feelings,” T.I.’s track “Ball” that includes Lil Wayne and Juvenile, Skip and Wacko’s “Nolia Clap.”
The group determined sufficient was sufficient, and their authorized battle in opposition to Universal Music Group lastly paid off. This win not solely secures a deserved monetary reward but additionally serves as a big second for artists whose work has been sampled with out compensation.
For a long time, producers have tapped into the uncooked vitality of “Drag Rap” to offer their very own tracks a lift, however this judgment reveals that artists like The Showboys deserve their credit score and their royalties. With this win, The Showboys are proving they’re nonetheless a power to be reckoned with within the music world, reminding everybody that the roots of hip-hop ought to all the time be revered.
