IS J.LO A VERY SPECIAL THIEF? Singer Debra Laws sues over Lopez sample of Laws’ work. (

Feb. 24, 2003) *R&B singer Debra Laws has sued Sony Music Corporation for alleged unauthorized sampling of her 1980 joint, “Very Special.”
The song was used by singer Jennifer Lopez and the Epic music label on Lopez’ current hit “All I Have.”

Laws filed suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court. She seeks an injunction to stop the use of the sample in Lopez’ song and music video.

The suit calls “All I Have” an “unauthorized hip-hop remake.”

Damn Jenny is getting too low low

I would think that J-Lo and Sony would have already cleared the use of the sample BEFORE recording the song.In any case,we know how this will play out.They will simply offer Debra Laws a little more money and the case will be quietly settled out of court.


I remember in 1990,Rick James was pissed when MC Hammer sampled his "SuperFreak" song.But,when his manager told him how much money he would be making,Rick suddenly changed his tune,so to speak.

Harlepolis said:

O am not trying to be a smart ass here but using samples without authorisation does not make someone a "thief".


Also the news article states: "R&B singer Debra Laws has sued Sony Music Corporation for alleged unauthorized sampling of her 1980 joint, “Very Special.”
The song was used by singer Jennifer Lopez and the Epic music label on Lopez’ current hit “All I Have.”"

It says Sony music corparation is sued, not JLo. If one would have to be called "thief" here it would be Sony.

Abrazo said:

Harlepolis said:

I DARE her butt even think about stilling that song, that song can NOT be remixed any kind of way, up down or all around, that's a song only Debra and ole boy can sing.

trc said:

Go sample P-Ditty

The sample is way over the 8 bar limit... anythng over the 8 bar limit you have to clear and pay for...if the album states "Contains replayed sample of very special by Debra Laws" it means it was cleared... if not then... shes getting sued

You should have to at least give writing credit if you use a part of someone else's song. Rappers have no problem at least giving the original writers credit. Well not lately. Once upon a time long ago it was customary to contact the original artists or writers that they wanted to redo their song. That way you can avoid this lawsuit stuff before you record anything. It made sense. Royalties are what some former performers live off of if they get paid. Singers don't have a 401k to fall back on kiddies. SAG helps collect money due for actors but singers/songwriters is a little harder to get. You have to prove it's your song. But It was such an obvious lifting the frame of the song even with the words changed it's the same song. So lazy. J-Lo has been around Tommy Motolla too long. He was very good at stealing songs. Maybe thats how he got hired at Sony after Warner Brothers fired I mean let him go.

Never mind sued she should be publically flogged for giving the world Jenny From The Block!

What about Ronnie Laws? Didn't he write the music? I'll need to check on that but good for her. I'm sick of these watered down R&B and Hip Hop acts copin shit from the 70's and 80's. Like I said yesterday, these fools today can't write a hook. Guess it's a case of if you can't write one, steal one.

Finess said:

Does anyone actually have the J.Lo album and does it give teh woamn any credit at all?

everything the Industry Blamed folks with File-Sharing&Down-Loading,etc... they made Sampling Legal sometimes without Paying.The laws will Get Alley-Way Hush Money.already know how this is gonna play itself out.Mariah use to get busted for this all the time.

intha916 said:

No it was William Jeffries and Lisa Peters, I think Ronnie Laws did the duet or did he?

QUESTION:


before this goes any further. who actually owns the publishing rights on this particular song, and who owns the recording it was sampled from?

trc said:

I have it burned so I haven't pulled out the album in years. I dug through a few crates last night but couldn't find it. I remember Debra on the inside jacket with a white cowboy hat.I thought Ronnie produced that song at the very least.I know he did most of the album. There is another some on there called "Be Yourself" that is just begging for a sample. Next person better get the ok first lol

Abrazo said:

yes it does! if you make a record using music somebody else make you are stealing from their records and their creativity! go back to complaining about tony blair you communist

intha916 said:

The LP is remastered now, I bought it.

Back 2 Low low.seems that things are starting to go downhill for Jennifer I see, because there is a similiar lawsuit out now against her and the TrackMasters, who produced "Jenny From The Block." The song is said to use a sample from the group, The Beatnuts, entitled "Watch Out Now," which you listen does sound very similiar. I hope Jennifer learns a lesson from all this to stop sampling and be more original if and when she continues her music career. Another thing I wanted to point out was these lawsuits against Jennifer didn't occur 'til both songs reached their peak status both being very successful. "Jenny From.." going to #3 Pop and "All I Have" going #1 Pop and #4 R&B (to date)I'm wondering would these lawsuits be filed if the songs were never singles or nearly as successful. I understand this is an attempt to get paid and get your respect and what not, but it makes you think.

I don't understand the basis for the lawsuit. It clearly reads, in the credits, the following:

"* Featuring samples from the Debera Laws recording 'Very Special'. Produced under license from Elektra Entertainment by arrangement with Warner Special Products.

Contains a sample of 'Very Special' written by L. Peters and W. Jeffrey, used courtesy of 5th Floor Music, Inc. o/b/o/ itself and Jeffex Music (ASCAP)."

...and in the fine print, it states:

(c)2002 NVYORICAN Publishing (BMI)/EMI Blackwood Music Inc., Janice Combs Publishing Inc., and Adorable Music Inc. All Rights for Janice Combs Publishing Inc. and Adorable Music Inc. Controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music Inc. (BMI)/Eagle Note publishing (BMI), administered by Axiom Music Publishing, Inc./Ron G. Publishing designee. 15th Floor Music Inc., on behalf of itself and Jeffix Music (ASCAP). All Rights Reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.

I see no lawsuit for Ms. Laws against Ms. Lopez... where did this information come from? What's your source Harlepolis?

June7 said:

www.eurweb.com