Stephens believes the lyrics are so similar that she should own the song and receive all past and future royalties.
However, L. Londell Mc Millian said the lawsuit against Atlantic Records and Lil' Kim is the result of Royalty Networks failed attempts to extract unreasonable sums and percentages of Lil' Kim's new song for an interpolated use of a song which happens all the time in Hip-Hop.
He further stated "There are no damages to Tanya Stephens, they never objected until after their efforts failed, and Kim was and remains willing to be fair. This matter should have been resolved but it appears to be another money and media play at Lil' Kim's expense. This issue was no secret. Kim was advised licenses were obtained by those who handle clearances at the time. We shall defend this action."
Established in 1993, the Royalty Network works to help educate artists, songwriters and producers about music publishing, copyright ownership and the inside operations of the business.
Its clientele includes Hip-Hop, R&B and reggae. songwriters, producers and artists.
