Jay Z To Pay 50% Royalties After Copyright Infringement

Jay Z has been ordered to pay half the royalties from one of his songs to a Swiss jazz musician after using his music without permission.

Following an 18 month legal battle, the rapper will pay money to Bruno Spoerri for using the 79-year-old’s instrumental “On the way,” in his song “Versus.”

Spoerri, a pianist and saxophonist composed his piece in 1978. He has already confirmed the payment.

At first, Jay Z denied using the music, but now he admitted he did so without attribution.

According to reports, Spoerri rejected an earlier offer to settle the dispute, because the offer was too small.

It is yet to be ascertained if it will be a backpay, future residual payments, or both. However, 50 percent from any Jay Z album or song is a lot because his net worth is approximately $510 million according to CNN Money;

“The 19 Grammy-Award winning rapper is involved in many business ventures and is the founder of entertainment company Roc Nation and the majority owner of 40/40 clubs.”

“If Jay Z wanted to use the song, all he had to do was ask” Spoerri told a local media.

“In a way I’m flattered that a relatively young rapper takes a sample from an old man, a sample that is about 35 years old”.

“On the other hand I’m furious because it would have been so simple to clear the sample. All it would have needed was a call or an email to the company and I think it would have been relatively cheap”.

“I would like them to acknowledge what happened and say sorry. And then I think it would be fine if they would put my name on the piece and in the end I want to have a part of the money that comes in.”