The hip-hop collective St. Lunatics filed a lawsuit against Nelly on September 18, 2024, alleging copyright infringement related to his debut album, Country Grammar, released in 2000. This is noteworthy as Nelly was an original member of the St. Lunatics band, marking the beginning of his musical journey.
Country Grammar was launched under the Universal Music Group (UMG), which is also named in the lawsuit alongside BMG Songs and Kobait Music Publishing America.
The St. Lunatics comprise members Murphy Lee, Ali, City Spud, Kyjuan, and Slo Down. According to the legal documents obtained by Variety, Nelly—whose full name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.—allegedly did not provide credit to St. Lunatics, who contributed to the project. Precious Felder Gates, representing the group, stated to Billboard:
“We’re not concerned about the statute of limitations and hope for a harmonious resolution. If not, we will pursue all legal remedies afforded to our clients.”
Despite Cornell signing with the label, the St. Lunatics had a similar agreement, as they penned lyrics for several tracks on the album. However, it is reported that Haynes Jr. was contacted multiple times by the group regarding credit for Country Grammar, but he allegedly insisted on taking all the credit himself.
As of now, Cornell has yet to respond to the lawsuit or the copyright allegations.
Overview of St. Lunatics’ copyright lawsuit against Nelly
The lawsuit outlines that St. Lunatics contributed to eight singles from Country Grammar. In addition to the title track, the other seven songs include “Steal the Show,””Thick Thick Girl,””Wrap Something/Sunden,””Better Up,””Iz U,””Go,”and “Gimme What You Go.”
The extensive 41-page legal documents claim that Nelly “committed successive acts of copyright infringement”and seek a court declaration recognizing the St. Lunatics as the authors, creators, composers, writers, and/or lawful copyright owners of the original compositions featured in the “Infringing Album.”
Furthermore, the lawsuit accuses the defendants of intentionally violating the “copyrights and exclusive rights”of the plaintiffs, constituting a breach of the United States Copyright Act.
The documents specify that the group had discussions with Nelly, who referred to them as “friends”and implied he would not obstruct their pursuit of “financial success.”However, the lawsuit further indicates:
“Unfortunately, plaintiffs, reasonably believing that their friend and former band member would never steal credit for writing the original compositions, did not initially pursue any legal remedies.”
In 2020, the St. Lunatics discovered that Cornell had no intention of providing them with credit, leading them to send a formal request through their attorney the following year, which was dismissed by Cornell’s legal team as unfounded.
Country Grammar remains one of the most successful projects in Cornell’s career, achieving remarkable sales and reaching number one on the US Billboard 200 chart.
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