Amaar Burton
New York rapper Nicki Minaj has had a roller-coaster week. It ends with the bad news for Nicki that she's lost a $450,000 judgement to Grammy-winning singer Tracy Chapman, who accused the hip-hop superstar of using her work without permission.
Nicki Minaj Sued By Tracy Chapman
On Nicki Minaj’s song “Sorry” (featuring Nas) — originally meant for her 2018 album Queen but ultimately left off the album — there were lyrics and a vocal melody from Tracy Chapman’s 1998 song “Baby Can I Hold You.” Nicki’s team asked Chapman for permission, Chapman said no, but the song was recorded anyway and leaked to radio outlets.
The cost of taking another songwriter’s work without permission and illicitly leaking a remade version is $450,000. That’s what Nicki Minaj will be paying Tracy Chapman to satisfy her copyright infringement claims over “Sorry,” a derivative of “Baby Can I Hold You.” On Thursday, documents became public in California federal court reflecting the fact that Chapman had accepted Minaj’s offer of judgment. As a result, the two will not proceed to a trial later this year. By accepting Minaj’s offer, Chapman not only scores a win in the case and $450,000, the esteemed singer also avoids being responsible for costs had a jury eventually decided her claims weren’t worth that amount. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Victim In Rape Case Sends Message To Nicki Minaj + Husband
The victim in the rape case that sent Nicki Minaj’s husband Kenneth Petty to prison is going public. In a video posted to social media, the woman tells the married couple to stop harassing her and her family.
“This message is for Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty. Tell your f*cking people to leave my family alone, okay? Don’t call my f*cking family, don’t call my brothers, don’t call anybody. Leave me and my family the f*ck alone.”
Nicki Minaj Unfollows Everybody On Instagram
Minaj raised eyebrows by recently unfollowing everyone on her Instagram — including her music-industry friends. The IG purge saw Nicki unfollow the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat and Ariana Grande, along with everyone else.
Nicki Minaj has cleaned her following count. She is currently no longer following anyone on via Instagram.
Nicki Minaj Reveals Her New Baby To The World
Nicki has lit up social media with some up-close looks at her recently born son. Onika hit up Instagram with the must-see shots.
“PapaBear thank you so very much for choosing me to be your mama 🎀🦄🙏 Wishing you guys a happy & prosperous New Year. Thank you for your love & support throughout this journey. It’s meant so much to me. Becoming a mom is by far the most fulfilling job I’ve ever taken on. Sending love to all the superhero mothers out there. Big hugs to all the women who have been pregnant during this challenging time.”
