Have you ever wondered who was behind the female voice heard on the intro of Drake’s emotional ballad “Marvin’s Room”? Well, her name is Ericka Lee and she’s supposedly Drake’s ex-girlfriend who now wants her cut of the huge profits from the sales of the hawt single.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lee says she and Drake dated for over a year, between 2010 and 2011 — and during that time they collaborated on the single and agreed to split the proceeds. She says she agreed to record the song’s hook and an opening monologue.
Drake reportedly acknowledged Lee’s contributions in text messages sent to her phone. One read, “U basically made that song.” Another read, “It’s s–t without you.”
All parties involved registered the sound recording at the U.S. Copyright Office.
But on July 11, 2011, Lee made a claim against the copyright, saying “My works and voice are used on this work.”
About six weeks later, Cash Money Records filed their own claim, saying Lee was an “employer for hire.”
Lee claims that Drake and Cash Money Records later reached out to her and offered 2% of the song royalties, which she said was unacceptable. They later upped the royalties offer to 4% and 5%.
TMZ reports that when Lee refused the offers, Drake got angry and warned her that he had “people” who would take care of “issues like her” if she didn’t back off.
“What the f— is your problem?” he allegedly asked her in a text message.
But Drake’s rep tells TMZ, “This claim is entirely without merit and our client has not engaged in any wrongful conduct.”
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Lee wants a judge to declare her as the co-writer of “Marvin’s Room” and award her damages and half the profits on the sales of the single.
Photo source: CK
