Jay-Z and Timbaland Sued Over Uncleared Sample On “Paper Chase”

Jay-Z and Producer Timbaland are being sued by a soul artist named Ernie Hines over a song called “Paper Chase.”

Hines recently filed a lawsuit against Hov, Roc-a-fella Records, Sony Music, and Timbaland, who produced the track featured on Jay’s 1998 album “Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life,” claiming the parties used a sample from his 1969 song “Help Me Put Out The Flame (In My Heart)” without his permission. 

Hines says he only became aware of the song using his sample last year and he was never asked for clearance nor was he paid for the use of the sample. 

According to copies of the court documents obtained by TMZ, Hines asserts that he’s a senior citizen and he doesn’t listen to rap music which is why he only learned about the alleged unauthorized use of his song in 2018. In fact, that is presumably the reason why he’s filing suit now, 21 years later, well past the statute of limitations.

TMZ claims the “Help Me” track is clearly listed on Tidal’s sampling page and Hines is also claiming that Timbaland used his song on Ginuwine’s “100% Ginuwine” album. 

Hines is suing for damages exceeding $2 Million, claiming that the songs have been played on many platforms over the years and he feels he is owed a lot of money because of it.