Ice Dice, Black Thought, and Widespread Contacted in Efforts to Protect the Legacy of Legendary Orator Dr. Khallid Muhammad
Nationwide — The Property of Dr. Khallid Abdul Muhammad has filed authorized motion towards main hip-hop artists and report labels, citing the unauthorized use of Dr. Muhammad’s speeches, voice, and mental property in music spanning many years with out credit score, clearance, or compensation.
The three lawsuits goal the businesses behind tracks the place Dr. Muhammad’s speeches seem and the labels that profited from their gross sales and distribution. Defendants embody these tied to songs carried out by Tupac Shakur, Public Enemy, D’Angelo, and The Vanguard.
Dr. Khallid Muhammad, a revolutionary chief, former spokesman for the Nation of Islam, and a Black Panther determine, was recognized for his highly effective speeches and unwavering dedication to Black liberation. For years, his phrases have been sampled by the music business whereas his identify and contributions had been intentionally erased from the narrative.
Beneath are the lawsuit case numbers together with the corresponding songs. Hearken to Dr. Khallid Muhammad’s speeches as utilized in these tracks and examine them to the unique recordings:
• 2Pac (Interscope) “White Man’z World” (1996) Case 2:25-cv-02540• D’Angelo (RCA) “1000 Deaths” (2014) Case 2:25-cv-03480• Public Enemy (Def Jam) “Night time of the Residing Baseheads” (1988) Case 2:25-cv-02324
The Property asserts that these songs, which collectively offered tens of millions, gained awards, and formed hip-hop tradition, used Dr. Muhammad’s voice with out authorized permission or compensation to his household.
Whilst just lately as final 12 months, Khallid Muhammad’s voice was sampled with out permission, this time by Widespread on his 2024 monitor “So Many Individuals” (Loma Vista).
Lawyer Malik Zulu Shabazz, representing the Property, made it clear: “These lawsuits will not be an assault on Public Enemy, Tupac’s household, or D’Angelo. They’re about accountability. The report labels and music companies exploited Khallid Muhammad’s voice for revenue, similar to they’ve performed to the Black artists whose songs featured him. Most of those artists don’t even personal the rights to their very own music. They’ve been exploited too.”
This isn’t an remoted incident; it’s a part of an ongoing sample of exploitation.
“Khallid Muhammad ought to have acquired correct credit score on these iconic information. His legacy issues. These funds will probably be used to satisfy his mission via faculties, books, coaching academies, and documentaries about his life and message.”
The lawsuits search $5 million in damages per infringement, everlasting injunctions, attorneys’ charges, and the impoundment of all infringing works.
Different Artists Below Evaluation
Formal authorized letters have additionally been despatched to Ice Dice, Widespread (Loma Vista) “So Many Individuals” (2024), and Black Thought. Numerous tasks are below authorized overview. The Property is demanding documentation of any licensing, royalty funds, or authorized agreements concerning Dr. Muhammad’s inclusion of their work.
“In Tupac’s case, we consider he was on his strategy to forming an actual alliance with Dr. Muhammad earlier than he was assassinated,” Shabazz added.
The place the Funds Will Go Defending Khallid Muhammad’s Legacy
Any funds recovered from this authorized motion will instantly help the Khallid Muhammad Memorial Fund, with initiatives together with:
• A Nationwide Black Historical past Museum and Analysis Middle• A nationwide Black Research curriculum for faculties• A everlasting memorial and archive for revolutionary Black leaders• Youth-focused instructional packages rooted in Black self-determination• Movies, documentaries, and books about Dr. Muhammad’s life and legacy
“Trump lower funding for African American establishments,” the Property stated. “So, the household is constructing their very own. That is about mission, not simply cash.” “The business has profited off his phrases for many years,” stated Shabazz. “That period of exploitation ends now.”
For additional inquiries, contact Malik Shabazz, Esq., President, Black Attorneys for Justiceat 301-513-5445 or lawyer.shabazz@yahoo.com
For press inquiries, contact Lawyer.Shabazz@BlackRightsMatter.org
