Legal fireworks are igniting over 2Pac’s controversial use of an influential speech in his track “White Man’z World,” with a lawsuit now demanding a hefty $5 million.
In a fresh twist from the rap legacy of 2Pac, his estate finds itself in a legal quagmire over a compelling speech used in his posthumous track “White Man’z World.” This isn’t just any speech—it’s a powerful address given by the late Nation of Islam minister, Khalid Abdul Muhammad, back in 1993.
Fast forward to today, and Muhammad’s family asserts that this speech was copyrighted and used without permission. The track itself hails from the iconic album “The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory,” released in 1996, a time when 2Pac’s influence was peaking.
It’s a specific part of the speech that causes contention, where Muhammad accused those in power of being out of touch with the everyday struggles of people of all backgrounds. “You’re out of touch with reality!” he emphasized, spotlighting the widespread suffering across the nation.
The complaint has been lodged not only against the late rapper’s estate but extends to include former Death Row Records head honcho Suge Knight, distributors Interscope and Universal, and the track’s producer Darryl “Big D” Harper. The core issue? Allegedly, no one ever secured the rights to the speech, nor was Muhammad acknowledged or compensated.
Muhammad’s estate, spearheaded by attorney Malik Z. Shabazz, is seeking a whopping $5 million. Shabazz argues that Muhammad’s contribution wasn’t merely a soundbite, but a reinforcement of 2Pac as a messenger for racial justice and empowerment, transcending music into social commentary.
Although the defendants are yet to respond publicly to these legal accusations, the song curiously remains accessible on major streaming platforms, showcasing its enduring imprint in the music landscape.
Khalid Abdul Muhammad’s voice was not unheard in the world of hip hop before this legal storm. He was previously quoted by Public Enemy and featured alongside Ice Cube, where he wasn’t shy about making provocative statements.
Meanwhile, the lawsuit has thrown a spotlight on not just 2Pac’s legacy, but also on the broader conversation regarding intellectual property rights in music. It’s a case that’s sure to spark discussions about the intersection of artistry, rights, and respect in the industry.
With the lawsuit set into motion, all eyes are on how this battle over words unfolds, potentially reshaping conversations on artistic rights.
