A producer has filed a lawsuit against 50 Cent and Fat Joe, alleging that they stole two of their most popular songs from him.
On April 27, David W. Smith, an independent Hip Hop producer from Maryland, reportedly filed a lawsuit for copyright infringement against the rappers. According to Smith’s lawsuit, the songs “Candy Shop” by 50 Cent and “Lean Back” by Terror Squad infringed on his song “WHACHACOM4?” which he had released in collaboration with rapper Moe Wet in 2003.
The complaint provides a thorough explanation of the supposed resemblances between “WHACHACOM4?” by Smith and the individual singles of 50 Cent and Fat Joe. This includes comparisons of musical notations and waveforms.
The lawsuit names Remy Ma, another rapper from Terror Squad, and Scott Storch, who produced both “Candy Shop” and “Terror Squad,” as defendants, claiming that they have collectively profited millions of dollars through their exploitation.
Smith also suggests there is a link between the songs through Scott Storch, who allegedly had dealings with the same New York City record pool, Spinners Unlimited Record Pool (S.U.R.E.). Smith claims that his song “WHACHACOM4?” achieved success on S.U.R.E.’s Top Upward Sizzlers (Prime Movers) and New & Hot S.U.R.E. Shots charts.
In addition, the lawsuit mentions that Smith filed a copyright registration for “WHACHACOM4?” on April 22, 2022, although it does not explain the reason for filing it almost two decades after its release. Nevertheless, Smith is seeking a share of the earnings from “Candy Shop” and “Lean Back,” as well as compensation for damages and legal expenses.
