A British music publishing company filed a lawsuit against Lil’ Wayne, his management and record label for altering a track originally recorded by the Rolling Stones. Abkco Music Inc which owns the rights to the song “Play With Fire”, filed suit against Wayne et al in a U.S. court Thursday. The suit accuses Weezy and company of altering the lyrics to the song without permission.
In its lawsuit, Abkco noted that Lil Wayne’s “Playing with Fire” is a “clear derivative of the Rolling Stones song with the original lyrics and music altered in a recognizable way.”
Abkco cited one example of altered lyrics where Wayne raps, “But you can’t blame me if I set this stage on fire.” In the original version of the song the line goes, “’cause you’re playing with fire.” The publisher’s reps also objected to Wayne’s use of “explicit, sexist and offensive language” which could lead the public to believe the company and the Rolling Stones approved of and authorized the new lyrics.
Abkco’s lawsuit filed in federal court in Manhattan seeks unspecified damages.
Photo: Wireimage/Getty
