Steely & Clevie Productions casts shadow on the world of reggaeton by filing a class action lawsuit. | Infobae composition. Images: YouTube.
A The enormous demand threatens the future of reggaeton and the integrity of much popular music. And more than half of today’s most important music industry would be harmed if the US courts upheld the legal claim Steely & Clevie, the famous Jamaican reggae and dancehall production duo consisting of Wycliffe Johnson (Steely) and Cleveland Browne (Clevie). Both have been key figures in the Jamaican music scene since the 1980s and are considered founders of the famous music scene Dembow rhythmwhich represents the creative basis of reggaetón.
“Fish Market,” the Steely & Clevie song from which the dembow rhythm originated. Photo credit: YouTube
Before we move on to the legal part, it is worth explaining the issue. He “dembow” It is both a rhythm and a subgenre within reggaetón music. Its origin and name comes from dancehall artist Shabba Ranks’ song “Dem Bow”, released in 1990. The instrumental of this song is It was produced by Steely & Clevie and has been sampled and reinterpreted countless times in reggaeton music. and served as the rhythmic basis for many of his hits.
The dembow, a symbol of reggaeton, is characterized by a catchy and repetitive rhythm dominated mainly by percussion that resonates strongly. Although it has deep roots in Jamaican dancehall, over time it has absorbed influences from other Latin genres and even hip hop, enriching its sound and adaptability.
As for their lyrics, the songs that use this rhythm often focus on festive and dance themes and often address sensual or provocative content, giving them a distinctive and attractive touch for audiences looking for music that enlivens any mood .
Cover of “Play Studio One Vintage” by Steely & Clevie. | AppleMusic.
In a scenario where music usually unites the masses, a legal conflict has arisen that threatens to destroy the world of reggaeton and pop. Steely & Clevie Productionsa Jamaican manufacturing company, has strengthened its position by introducing a monumental demand against some of the biggest stars in contemporary music. Which Is at stake It’s not just a melody or a lyric, but a rhythman essence This has shaped reggaetón for decades.
According to California court documents obtained by DancehallMag, Steely & Clevie Productions claims that its 1989 riddim “Fish Market” is a sufficiently distinctive piece of music to merit legal protection under United States copyright laws. This riddim, also known as “Dem Bow”, was the basis of numerous music productions and brought many songs into the charts.
It is precisely this influence and market penetration that led Steely & Clevie to this The target of their lawsuit are just over 170 artists, producers and record companies. Among the defendants are luminaries like Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee, Ricky Martin, Justin Bieber, Luis Fonsi, Pitbull, Drake, Rauw Alejandro, Jason Derulo, Enrique Iglesias, among others. The complaint highlights the use of the riddim in question more than 1,800 songs published from 1995 to 2021.
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The defense, made up of a coalition of artists and supported by the law firm Pryor Cashman LLP, has submitted several Arguments aimed at dismissing the lawsuit. At the heart of their argument is the idea that Steely and Clevie are attempting to monopolize fundamental and universal aspects of reggaetón. More accurate, They argue that rhythm in its basic nature cannot be protected by copyright.
However, the Jamaican producer’s reaction was firm. They claim that their riddim “Fish Market” is not just a rhythm but a unique combination of musical elements, from different percussion instruments to specific bass patterns. They claim that this combination makes their riddim worthy of legal protection.
The pulse between both parties is palpable. While Bad Bunny’s legal representatives and others argue that reggaeton has common roots and characteristics that should not be monopolized, Steely & Clevie defend its creation as a unique work that was unjustly appropriated.
Bad Bunny fans who had their tickets revoked contacted the police to lodge their complaints.
The case is made even more complex by the intervention of artists such as Drake, who, without putting forward his own defense, has tried to join Pryor Cashman’s arguments. Steely & Clevie have countered this move by emphasizing that every artist and song has unique circumstances that must be evaluated individually.
It is clear that this legal dispute could set a significant precedent in the music industry. Steely & Clevie’s lawsuit was originally filed in 2021 and expanded in April 2023. However, on August 3, the Jamaican production company rejected the five applications from various accused artists.
The risk is undeniably high. The songs named in the lawsuit, which number more than 1,800, have amassed billions of views on platforms such as YouTube and received numerous recognitions, including RIAA platinum and Latin platinum certifications in the United States.
FILE – Daddy Yankee performs a concert on his “The Last Turn” Tour at Allstate Arena on September 4, 2022 in Rosemont, Illinois. Daddy Yankee performed at Foro Sol in Mexico City on November 29, 2022. (Photo Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP, File)
These musical hits include the remix of “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi with Justin Bieber and Daddy Yankee, “Échame La Culpa” in collaboration with Demi Lovato, “Dame Tu Cosita” by El Chombo with Cutty Ranks and “Dura”. stand out”, “Rompe”, “Gasolina” and “Shaky Shaky” by Daddy Yankee. Also on the list are DJ Snake’s “Taki Taki” featuring Selena Gomez, Ozuna and Cardi B, as well as Pitbull’s “We Are One (Ole Ola)” and Bad Bunny and Drake’s “MIA”.
The monumental case falls into the hands of André Birotte Jr., a 56-year-old federal judge originally from New Jersey whose parents are Haitian immigrants. It is he who is after the Hearings are scheduled for September 2023will decide whether to grant or reject the filed motions to dismiss.
The music world is eagerly awaiting the next steps in this conflict. The impact of this case will not only affect those directly involved, but could also redefine the rules of the game when it comes to copyright and music inspired by other works. The industry, artists and fans continue to closely follow this gigantic court battle.