Justin Timberlake's Label Is Reportedly Being Sued Over "Suit & Tie"

The label reportedly didn't clear the vocals on the sample used.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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While Justin Timberlake revealed earlier this week that he will be releasing new music later this year, his label is reportedly dealing with a new lawsuit from his 20/20 Experience album. According to TMZ, two members of the '70s R&B group, Sly Slick & Wicked, filed a lawsuit against Timberlake's record label for illegally using a vocal sample on the mega-hit "Suit & Tie." TMZ lists Universal Music Group as Timberlake's label, though that title would technically go to RCA where "Suit & Tie" was released.

The group alleges the label paid to use the instrumental sample of their song "Sho' Nuff," which was produced by James Brown, but didn't get the proper rights to use the vocal performances from the track. Possibly worse news for the label is that they licensed "Suit & Tie" to Budweiser for an ad campaign, which led the band to include Anheuser-Busch in the lawsuit. "Suit & Tie" sold over 3 million copies since its release in 2013, but it's unclear how much money the group is seeking in the lawsuit. 

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