Sampling - Don't Play With Fire

Copyright infringement arising from defendants' unauthorized use of plaintiff's copyrighted song "Play with Fire," which is allegedly unlawfully contained in Lil Wayne's album "Tha Carter III." Of note, "Play with Fire" is a song originally created by The Rolling Stones.

ABKCO Music Inc. v. Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. pka Lil Wayne; Nicholas Mark Warwar pka StreetRunner; Jason Desrouleux; Cash Money Records Inc.; Universal Motown Republic Group; Universal Music Group Recordings Inc.; Young Money Publishing Inc.; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.; Warner/Chappell Music Inc.; EMI Music Publishing (filed 7/24/2008, No. CV-6573)

Rolling Stones Continue Movement Away from EMI

The Rolling Stones are in talks with Warner Music Group for the sale of the band's back-catalogue, currently exploited by EMI. The band's contract with EMI expires in May of 2008, and a sale of the back-catalogue would deprive EMI of approximately 3 million pounds annually.

Like a Rolling Stone - EMI Takes Another Hit

Billboard and Rolling Stone Magazine report:

THE ROLLING STONES, whose recording deal with EMI is approaching the end, have signed a one album deal with Universal Music for the soundtrack to the film "Shine a Light", directed by Martin Scorsese.

The band currently owns its post-1971 catalogue, but it appears the EMI was the distributor. If the Rolling Stones leave, it will be a major blow to EMI - who have recently, in addition to their other financial problems, lost two other big acts: Paul McCartney and Radiohead. The Wall Street Journal eloquently referred to the situation as a "vote of no confidence by a marquee act"