Cardi B is facing a lawsuit for copyright infringement over her track “Enough (Miami).” The lawsuit, filed by artists Joshua Fraustro and Miguel Aguilar, who go by the stage names Sten Joddi and Kemikal956, respectively, claims that Cardi B’s song unlawfully incorporates elements from their 2021 track “Greasy Frybread.” This song was notably featured in a promotional campaign for the FX series “Reservation Dogs.”
According to legal documents obtained by various news outlets, Fraustro and Aguilar allege that they have suffered “substantial damage,” including financial losses and “irreparable harm” to their reputation and marketability. The lawsuit not only targets Cardi B but also names Atlantic Records, Warner Music Group, and the song’s producers OG Parker and DJ SwanQo as co-defendants. The plaintiffs are seeking $50 million in damages.
“Enough (Miami)” was released in March 2024 and quickly climbed the charts, debuting at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. This marked Cardi B’s first solo Top 10 hit since her 2021 single “Up.” Despite the song’s success, the legal battle has cast a shadow over its achievements.
Cardi B has been vocal about her artistic journey and the challenges she has faced. She revealed on Instagram Live that “Enough (Miami)” was initially titled “And Her Name Is Cardi K.” She explained that the original title reflected her feelings of being underestimated and targeted by others. “I feel like I was very underestimated,” she said. “Even my fan base, it’s big but it’s a very underestimated fanbase. So Cardi K, I don’t know if you know how people be like EBK, Everybody Killer, so I just felt like everybody was on some Cardi K shit. Oh yeah on some Cardi Killer shit, then fuck you hoes. Fuck you bitches!”
Cardi B had teased earlier this year that “Enough (Miami)” was part of a larger rollout leading to the announcement of her long-awaited follow-up to her 2018 album “Invasion of Privacy.” She mentioned that she had dropped a freestyle to “wet her feet” and that the next announcement would be an album. “I’m back outside, I’m tired of shit holding me back. It’s been six years since I’ve dropped an album, so I’m gonna drop an album this year,” she said.
However, the lawsuit has raised questions about the future of her upcoming projects. Cardi B has yet to announce a release date for her sophomore album, tentatively titled “CB2.” She recently teased a new track that samples Janet Jackson’s “Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun),” but it remains unclear if the legal issues will affect the album’s release.
Fraustro and Aguilar’s lawsuit claims that the alleged infringement has caused them significant harm. They argue that the unauthorized use of their song has not only resulted in financial losses but also damaged their reputation and marketability. The lawsuit seeks to hold Cardi B and her team accountable for these alleged damages.
Cardi B and her team have not publicly responded to the lawsuit at the time of this report. The legal battle adds another layer of complexity to Cardi B’s already tumultuous career. Despite the controversy, she remains focused on her music and future projects. She has also expressed a desire to release a Spanish language project following her upcoming album.
The lawsuit has garnered significant media attention, with various news outlets covering the story. Fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting Cardi B’s response to the allegations. The outcome of the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for her career and the music industry as a whole.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how this will impact Cardi B’s plans for her new album and other projects. The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that artists face in the music industry, particularly when it comes to issues of copyright and intellectual property.
In the meantime, Cardi B continues to engage with her fans and work on her music. Despite the legal challenges, she remains determined to make her mark in the industry and deliver new music to her audience.
Source: TMZ, New York Daily News, MySA, ValleyCentral.com
