The recent scandal caused by Kendrick Lamar’s latest diss track “Euphoria,” brought attention to outraged accusations of line-stealing from underground battle rappers. Although the discourse appears largely as a desire of fans supporting Drake’s side in the ongoing hip-hop beef, there is a need to carefully consider the claims and their multi-faceted nature.
Fans point out that the “I hate” repetition, “park your son” in the bar, and YNW Melly reference are just a few examples of more prominently adapted images. Defenders, however, claim that hip hop artists are given much greater impossible realism such at the goal of pure originality. Additionally, many times exceedingly classic wordplay is reiterated and redefined in new situations. And since it’s very well-known, this gives it additional meaning.
Kendrick Lamar is being accused of stealing lines from battle rappers for his euphoria diss track pic.twitter.com/gLRk5lXnud
— Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) May 2, 2024
Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to allegations of plagiarism. Prior Kendrick Lamar plagiarism allegations include lawsuits about fully stolen music and complaints on the basis of copyrights.
Accusation of Stealing Music: Two independent record labels, namely Soldier’s Hymn Music, Inc. and WJ3 Productions, as well as two musicians, Eric Reed and Willie Jones III, have sued Kendrick Lamar for “stealing music from other artists and claiming full credit”. Lately Kendrick settled this legal battle.
Accusation related to “All The Stars”: In another copyright infringement lawsuit, British-Liberian artist Lina Iris Viktor accused Kendrick Lamar, director Dave Meyers, and creative partner Dave Free of stealing her work. Lamar allegedly used it in the music video for the freshly dropped single with SZA, “All The Stars” the lead single from Lamar’s album alongside the Marvel superhero film Black Panther was her album standout, so she decided to sue.
Accusation related to “LOYALTY”: Kendrick Lamar was sued for the “LOYALTY” hit. According to the complaint for copyright infringement that was filed in a California federal court, Terrance Hayes, representing himself, accused the rapper of rapping off some parts of his song, which was also named “LOYALTY” and was released in 2011.
It is essential to keep in mind the thin line between inspiration and plain theft in the realm of creativity. Artistic inspirations and ideas frequently spill over, and what one person sees as stealing, others may see as an homage or a re-interpretation.
Music critic Alphonse Pierre also mentioned on the subject: “While copying someone’s whole fucking verse is definitely out of line, if bait rapped ”. Although listeners clearly understand that hip-hop utilizes word play and reuses iconic lines, the point is in their transformation and adaptation to particular lyrics.
Notably, veteran battle rapper King Midas shared his thoughts, stating, “Biting someone’s flow is different from paying homage. If every rapper that ever recycled a common metaphor or punchline was accused of stealing, the game would cease”.
Overall, the “Euphoria” controversy represents another stage of a multifaceted discourse on hip-hop originality. Although obvious plagiarism must be stigmatized, it is vital to distinguish genuine theft from creative absorption.
