By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
Robin Thicke may have his first big hit on his hands with “Blurred Lines,” but having a hit song can come with a lot of controversy. Although the song is topping the charts, Thicke’s been the target of women activists as some claim they feel the lyrics are an ode to rape. The singer called the criticism absurd and ridiculous, and said that the meaning of the song doesn’t encourage rape, but instead a woman freeing herself and giving in to her intimate desires. Despite the controversy, Robin says he is still thankful he’s finally gained more exposure and a rapidly increasing fan base.
Well now Robin has even more drama on his hands regarding the hit song, and according to new reports, he’s suing the family of deceased and legendary R&B singer Marvin Gaye. In fact, he’s joined on the suit with his companions on the track rapper T.I. and producer Pharrell Williams. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the trio actually filed the lawsuit Thursday in California’s Federal Court to protect themselves from Marvin Gaye’s family and Bridgeport Music which owns Funkadelic’s compositions. The issue which led to the filing is the complaints suggesting “Blurred Lines” sounds a lot like a song from Marvin Gaye and a popular tune from Funkadelic.
The family and Bridgeport Music are claiming “Blurred Lines” sounds very similar to Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up” and Funkadelic’s “Sexy Ways.”
The trio argues there are no similarities in composition between the three songs but Gaye’s family and Bridgeport are demanding to be paid a monetary settlement, and have been threatening to file a lawsuit. Robin Thicke, T.I. and Pharrell Williams beat them to it and filed the suit to find out their respective rights and obligations per the court. The trio is not only looking for the court to declare their song doesn’t violate the defendants rights by copying their songs but also that the “Gayes do not have an interest in the copyright to the composition ‘Got To Give It Up’ sufficient to confer standing on them to pursue claims of infringement of that composition.”
We’ve posted all three videos below. Do you think “Blurred Lines” is a copycat of the popular songs from Marvin Gaye and Funkadelic?
The song does sound similar to Marvin’s song.
Oh man. Well I love the song.
Sounds like Robin and Pharrell sued Marvin Gaye family before they were going to sue them. I do hear similarities between blurred lines and got to give it up. It’s so funny because when blurred lines first start getting played on the radio I was riding in the car and my aunt was like that sound like Marvin Gaye music lol.
Me too.
I don’t hear any similarities. No disrespect to Marvin’s fam but I think they need to have a seat.
As annoying as blurred lines is to me, Marvin Gaye’s estate doesn’t have a case here.
Real musicians don’t have to steal music. They can compose their own original compositions. That’s why I cannot respect any rapper or producer today – they do nothing but steal.
I can hear the similarities. Pay up Robin.
Hmm… Robin Thicke is so desperate for a number one single, he is resorting to frivolous lawsuits. Pitiful.
I can hear it! Thought about Got To Give It Up when I heard it the first time!
I can definitely hear the similarities.
Much respect to the Gaye family, but there’s no case here…….
No disrespect to Marvin’s family, but if people were suing because songs sound similar, then there would never be any new music. Honestly, what is original anymore? It sounds petty. It’d be different if it were about stolen lyrics or an actual sample of the song is being used. A “similar sound” is merely inspiration.
Well, the only thing about that is there are steps that should be taken if samples are used.. even as inspiration. I feel what you’re saying tho. But it’s kind of like how we were in school, and teachers felt that any 3 (or more) consecutive words used in a paper (taken from another source) without giving the author credit was plagiarism? Same concept. It’s not so much that they would’ve have a problem with them sampling it. But when you use something in any capacity without permission, it’s kind of a problem; legally.
No disrespect but the Gaye estate does need to sit down. I feel like sometimes the families of deceased artist look for ways to get money other than royalties. It sucks when their “cash cows” die… This and the family of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez most recently are out for dollars… It sounds similar but there’s nothing new under the sun, seriously.