A musical sample dispute has two hip-hop legends at odds, stirring up the rap community.
- Pete Rock and MC Shan are at loggerheads over a sample from Shan’s ‘The Bridge’ used in ‘Wise Up’.
- Initially, Shan was pleased with the homage, even posting a cheerful Instagram message in May.
- However, things soured when Shan claimed he wasn’t properly paid, threatening legal action.
- Pete Rock responded with surprise, recalling Shan’s initial acceptance of the sample usage.
Pete Rock and MC Shan, two giants of the hip-hop scene, are embroiled in a public argument over the use of a sample from Shan’s iconic 1986 track ‘The Bridge.’ The sample was used in ‘Wise Up,’ a collaboration between Pete Rock and Common from their album ‘The Auditorium Vol. 1.’
Initially, MC Shan seemed delighted by the nod to his classic song, even going as far as to praise Pete Rock and Common in an Instagram post. He thanked them for the financial benefits the sampling brought him, humorously mentioning adding three more beaches to his summer plans.
But things took a turn when Shan started expressing discontent over the weekend. He accused Pete Rock of not securing the proper authorization for the sample and claimed he hadn’t been paid, as he initially thought. He even threatened legal action, highlighting his ownership over the publishing rights of ‘The Bridge.’
MC Shan shared on multiple Instagram posts that he could cause enough trouble for Pete Rock to feel the financial pinch due to the alleged infringement. In his words, ‘You better go get that money back from homage son cuz he didn’t knock on my door and cut me in on nothing.’
Pete Rock, apparently enjoying a vacation, responded in a laid-back manner. He expressed love for Shan and questioned his sudden change of heart. Pete reminded Shan they did good business and reiterated his respect for Shan’s influence on his musical journey.
Although tensions rose, Shan continued to accuse Pete Rock of unrecognized sampling over the years. Despite the animosity, Shan clarified he holds no personal grudge against Pete Rock, acknowledging his legendary status in hip-hop. ‘I love you brother, nothing can ever change that not this situation,’ he wrote.
The online dispute highlighted the challenges of sampling in music, where admiration and legal boundaries often collide. This issue remains a point of contention among artists paving the way for further debates in the music industry.
This clash between Pete Rock and MC Shan underscores the complexities of the music sampling business.
