Will.i.am

Black Eyed Peas Sue Toymaker for Unauthorized Use of Turning “My Humps” into “My Poops”

by
Black Eyed Peas Sue Toymaker for Unauthorized Use of Turning 22My Humps22 into 22My Poops22

There has been a lot of discussion in the media recently regarding the unauthorized use of another’s art. From accusations that the Lensa app used artists’ works without permission to Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene using Dr. Dre‘s music in a political video, patent and copyright law is shaping up to be a major issue in 2023. Now, the Black Eyed Peas have entered the fight with a lawsuit against toymaker MGA Entertainment, the makers of the Poopsie Slime Surprise toy, used the group’s 2006 hit “My Humps” without permission.

The lawsuit was filed by the group’s label, BMG, in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan. Amongst other things, it alleges that MGA Entertainment displayed “willful copyright infringement” and “exploited, without authorization” the group’s art as part of its promotional campaign for its “Poopsie Slime Surprise” product line, which featured “a unicorn doll that excretes sparkling slime.” BMG is seeking $10 million in damages, as well as requiring that MGA destroy all copies of “My Poops.”

A YouTube video shows animated unicorns dancing to digitally-altered lyrics where they showcase the toy’s “pooping” features.

Legal experts state that MGA’s primary defense will be that the song was used as a parody, since using art for the purpose of parody is protected by free speech law. However, there are legal limits when it comes to whether or not MGA exploited the song to make a profit.

“My Humps” was a major hit for the group in 2006 and continues to remain popular today, accruing over 700 million views on YouTube. The video also won Best Hip Hop Video at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards. The original video is shown below.

The post Black Eyed Peas Sue Toymaker for Unauthorized Use of Turning “My Humps” into “My Poops” appeared first on The Source.

Will.i.am Says That Biggie And 2Pac’s Music Doesn’t “Speak To My Spirit,” Reveals What Artists Inspired Him

by
w

While 2Pac and Biggie are referred to as two of the greatest, if not the greatest rappers of all time, there is a group of people who might have liked their music, but not as much as others. Will.i.am is in that group of people.

In a recent interview with Hip Hop Confessions, the Black Eyed Peas co-founder said that 2Pac and Biggies type of music “doesn’t speak to my spirit.”

“Like when people say 2Pac and Biggie, I’m such a Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul head that I don’t like 2Pac and Biggie,” the 47-year-old explained. “That kind of music doesn’t speak to my spirit. I like Boogie Down Productions, KRS-One, I like—if it’s like, 2Pac or Biggie? It’s KRS-One. Why those two?”

Will.i.am added that 2Pac and Big spoke to the projects whereas De La Soul and ATCQ was his escape from the projects.

“I hold Eric B. and Rakim like that. 2Pac’s dope—don’t get me wrong,” he said. “It’s not like I don’t think he’s dope. It spoke to the projects. My escape is De La/Tribe out the projects.”

Will.i.am added,“It took me out the projects physically, as far as being able to reach my dreams, that was my path out. … It kept me safe while I was in the projects,” he said. “Had I loved 2Pac and Biggie while I was in the projects, I probably would have been stuck in the projects still.”

You can check out his full comments below.

The post Will.i.am Says That Biggie And 2Pac’s Music Doesn’t “Speak To My Spirit,” Reveals What Artists Inspired Him appeared first on The Source.

Lizzo Roasts Black Eyes Peas’ Biggest Hits In A ‘Saturday Night Live’ Sketch

by

Fans know that music aside, Lizzo is a magnetic and entertaining personality. She got to show that off to a larger audience this past weekend when she was both the host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live. Given that music is her day job, it found its way into the show beyond her performances, including in a sketch about Black Eyes Peas, which pokes fun at the group.

The skit was presented as studio footage from a session where the band recorded multiple hits, and after the group performed a bit of “Boom Boom Pow” for producers (Lizzo and Aidy Bryant), Bryant noted, “Those were actually the temp lyrics that we sent to describe the beat of the track.” Lizzo added, “Yeah, you were supposed to replace them with your own lyrics. You know, like, with words.”

After going back and forth on that song some more, they move on to “I Gotta Feeling,” with Lizzo and Bryant showing amazement at the song’s simple lyrics. Bryant then instructed, “Everyone yell a refrain together, something that feels true to who you are as a group.” The band responded, “Mazel tov, l’chaim!”

They also made a nod to “Let’s Get It Started,” or rather, the original version of the song, the controversially titled “Let’s Get R*tarded.” Noting the song’s title is a work in progress, with just “Let’s Get” confirmed so far, Bryant notes, “It has to be something that we can say forever.” Lizzo assured, “We can figure that out later.”

Historical accuracy isn’t necessarily the most important thing in an SNL sketch (for example, this wasn’t actual Black Eyed Peas studio footage), but it’s worth noting (or maybe it isn’t) that the sketch’s fictional recording session was set in 2008, but “Let’s Get It Started” was released in 2004.

Watch the sketch above.

Snoop Dogg Joins New Animated Movie W/ Will.iam + Jennifer Hudson

by

Snoop Dogg Gushes Over His Newborn Grandchild

California hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg keeps building his Hollywood resume. The veteran artist’s latest addition to his IMDb page is a role in the upcoming animated film Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk, which also features will.i.am and Jennifer Hudson. Snoop Dogg Will Voice Squirrel Character In Animated Movie Black Eyed Peas leader will.i.am voices the title character […]

The post Snoop Dogg Joins New Animated Movie W/ Will.iam + Jennifer Hudson appeared first on SOHH.com.