Los Angeles, California – Roddy Ricch has come out victorious in a copyright infringement lawsuit over his 2019 hit single, “The Box.” The case involved allegations that the song unlawfully copied elements from Greg Perry’s 1975 track, “Come on Down.”
According to a report from Rolling Stone, US District Judge Analisa Torres ruled that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that the two songs are substantially similar. In her eight-page ruling, Judge Torres noted that Perry’s composition is a soul song with a melodic tune, while Ricch’s “The Box” is a monotone rap delivered in a hip-hop style. Furthermore, the beats per minute (BPMs) for the two tracks are significantly different at 96 BPM for “Come on Down” and 58 BPM for “The Box.” Additionally, Perry’s song prominently features acoustic instruments, while Ricch’s hit utilizes a synthesizer.
One key factor that Judge Torres highlighted is the distinct emotional tone of the two songs. She described Perry’s “Come on Down” as a sentimental track about love and heartbreak, whereas Ricch’s “The Box” is a braggadocious anthem about wealth accumulation, multiple sexual encounters, and superior skill compared to other rappers. The judge emphasized that these significant differences in aesthetics make it unlikely for an average listener to perceive the songs as visually similar.
In light of these considerable dissimilarities, Judge Torres concluded that the plaintiff failed to demonstrate any copied portions of the musical composition. The ruling highlights the importance of proving similarities between works in order to establish a case of copyright infringement. This decision serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in determining infringement claims within the music industry.
Roddy Ricch’s success in this lawsuit is a significant win for the artist, who continues to make waves in the music industry. With this legal victory, he can focus on his flourishing career, knowing that his hit song “The Box” has been cleared of any copyright infringement allegations.