French Montana has resolved a legal dispute regarding his 2022 track “Blue Chills,” which included an unapproved sample of Skylar Gudasz’s song “Femme Fatale.” The settlement was reached on July 31, according to court documents obtained by AllHipHop. The suit was voluntarily dismissed by Gudasz, marking the end of the legal proceedings initiated in 2023. Billboard first reported on the resolution of the case.
Background of the Lawsuit
The legal conflict arose when singer-songwriter Skylar Gudasz accused French Montana, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch, of not finalizing an agreement for the use of her 2020 track “Femme Fatale” in “Blue Chills.” Gudasz claimed she had agreed to clear the sample in return for a 50 percent share of the copyright for “Blue Chills,” along with over $7,000 in upfront fees and 0.08 percent of the master royalties.
In her lawsuit, Gudasz alleged copyright infringement and unfair/deceptive trade practices. She noted that despite assurances from Montana and his representatives, no formal agreement was signed, and no fees or royalties were paid to her. This, she asserted, amounted to wrongful repudiation of the agreement and infringement on her copyright.
Legal Proceedings and Settlement
The case, which named French Montana, producer Harry Fraud (Rory William Quigley), Coke Boyz, LLC, Montana Entertainment, LLC, Fraud Beats, Inc., Sony Music Publishing (US) LLC, and Vydia, Inc. as defendants, has now been dismissed with prejudice. This dismissal means that the case is closed permanently and cannot be brought to court again.
The dismissal order, filed in a North Carolina court, stated:
“IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED AND AGREED by and among the undersigned attorneys for Plaintiff Skylar Gudasz (‘Plaintiff’), on the one hand, and Defendants Karim Kharbouch a/k/a ‘French Montana,’ Rory William Quigley a/k/a ‘Harry Fraud,’ Coke Boyz, LLC a/k/a ‘Coke Boys Records,’ Montana Entertainment, LLC, Fraud Beats, Inc., Sony Music Publishing (US) LLC (incorrectly sued as Sony Music Entertainment Inc.) and Vydia, Inc. (collectively, ‘Defendants’), on the other … is hereby dismissed with prejudice, with each party to bear his, her or its own costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses.”
The specific terms of the settlement have not been disclosed to the public.
Implications and Industry Reactions
The settlement of this lawsuit highlights the importance of securing proper clearance for samples in music production. Sampling without authorization can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions, as evidenced by this case. It also underscores the complexities of copyright law in the music industry, where multiple parties may hold different rights to a single composition or recording.
Industry experts suggest that artists and producers must exercise due diligence when incorporating samples into their works. Proper legal agreements must be in place to avoid potential disputes and ensure that all parties receive their due compensation.
Impact on “Blue Chills” and French Montana’s Career
“Blue Chills,” featured on the “Montega” album produced by Harry Fraud, peaked at No. 46 on the Billboard 200. Despite the legal challenges, the album has enjoyed commercial success. This incident, however, serves as a cautionary tale for French Montana and others in the industry about the importance of clearing samples.
The resolution of the lawsuit between French Montana and Skylar Gudasz brings to a close a contentious chapter. It reinforces the critical need for legal compliance in music production and the proper handling of intellectual property rights. As the music industry continues to evolve, such cases will likely serve as benchmarks for how copyright disputes are managed and resolved.
By adhering to these practices and learning from past incidents, artists and producers can safeguard their creative works and avoid costly legal disputes.
