Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake might find themselves in hot water, with the Universal Music Group being sued over their collaborative song, Suit & Tie.
The lawsuit is being pushed through by two members of 70’s R&B group Sly, Slick and Wicked. The members of the group claim that although they agreed to the sampling of their hit song, Sho’ Nuff -which was produced by the legend James Brown– they did not OK the right for the use of their vocal performances in the Justin Timberlake song. Furthermore, the 70’s groovers allege that they did not receive any compensation for the Bud Light commercial which uses the Suit & Tie track.
The single comes from Justin Timberlake’s 2013 album, The 20/20 Experience, and served as a collaboration between Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z and producer Timbaland. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard 100 and sold over 3 million copies, with Sly, Slick and Wicked believing they have a claim to some of that success.
The wildly popular song, which currently sits at over 92 million views on YouTube is not the last time the three heavy hitters collaborated, with Justin Timberlake and Timberland featuring prominently on Jay-Z’s, Magna Carta Holy Grail. Justin Timberlake played a key role in the opening song Holy Grail, while Timberlands name is attached to 11 of the albums songs.
So far only Universal Music Group are being targeted by the lawsuit.