Fat Joe and 50 Cent are being sued by a producer who claims the rappers ripped him off with two of their biggest hits. Independent Maryland hip hop producer David W. Smith filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against the rappers on April 27th.
The suit alleges that Cent’s 2005 hit ‘Candy Shop’ and Terror Squad’s 2004 track ‘Lean Back’ both stole elements from his song ‘WHACHACOM4?’ – released as a collab with rapper Moe Wet in 2003. Both tracks were amongst the biggest hits of the decade, with ‘Candy Shop’ having since been certified platinum five times over.
The suit details a range of alleged similarities between ‘WHACHACOM4?’ and 50 Cent and Fat Joe’s singles, including musical notation and similar waveforms. Smith’s suit argues that both artists “have made millions of dollars from their exploitation.” The suit also states that Smith registered copyright for his song on April 22nd, 2022 – nearly 20 years after its release.
As compensation, Smith is looking for a percentage of the revenue made from ‘Candy Shop’ and ‘Lean Back’, as well as damages and legal fees. Interscope Records, Dr. Dre’s Aftermath, Eminem’s Shady Records, TVT Music and 50 Cent Music LLC, are also named as co-owners of the ‘Candy Shop’ copyright.
