Baauer & Mad Decent Facing Lawsuit Over Unlicensed "Harlem Shake" Samples [VIDEO]

» by Chris Thomas (@ChrisThomas266) March 11, 2013, 13:23pm

In just weeks Baauer's "Harlem Shake" has become an undeniable viral hit, and now sits atop the Billboard Hot 100. Onlookers have been arguing whether the track is an innovation or a slap in the face to a cultural movement, but Hector "El Father" Delgado and Jayson Musson could care less. Both artists have actually readied their lawyers, and are seeking compensation for uncredited sample use on the track.

Delgado is the reggaetón artist whose voice can be heard at the beginning of the track, while Musson is the Philadelphia rapper who says "do the Harlem shake." Neither artists were reportedly informed, or properly compensated for the visage of their vocals on Baauer's track.

Both artists are said to be in talks with Baauer's label, Mad Decent, which hopefully means that things will be resolved amicably. Although, Delgado's manager Javier Gomez countered told the NY Times, "We can turn around and stop that song. That's a clear breaking of intellectual property rights."

Delgado's vocals are from his track "Maldades" on his 2006 album That Bad Boy, and Musson's words are from his days in Philly rap group Plastic Little. The latter has been in contact with Mad Decent, who he says have "been more than cooperative."

Hear Delgado's "Maldades" below, and hear "Miller Time" by Plastic Little on the following page. The latter's sample can be found around the 3:54 mark.

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Photo: Phil Knott

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