While fans reflect and honor the legacy of Notorious B.I.G. 21 years after his untimely passing, another small victory has fittingly arrived in tandem with the fated anniversary.
As reported by Billboard, a copyright lawsuit against the Brooklyn icon’s estate has been dismissed.
The lawsuit, which was filed by a member of spoken-word group The Last Poets, alleged that Biggie’s 1993 song, “Party and Bulls—t” plagiarized the work of poet Abiodun Oyewole, specifically using the title track and its hook from the 1968 poem, “When The Revolution Comes.” The suit also named Rita Ora’s 2012 track “How We Do (Party)” for its sampling of BIG’s song, as well as listed out over a dozen defendants, including the Notorious B.I.G. Estate, producer Easy Moe Bee, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Justin Combs Company and others.
According to court documents, the case was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan, citing failure to state a claim, insufficient process and insufficient service of process and protections under the Fair Use doctrine.
“This is a well-earned victory for the Estate, and it seems like a message from Christopher to receive it on the anniversary of his passing,” Nixon Peabody attorney Julian Petty shared in a statement with Billboard on behalf of Biggie’s estate. “We’re honored to represent a client who is willing to fight and defend such an important legacy.”
Take a look at REVOLT’s special on the Notorious B.I.G., below. #WeMissYouBIG