June 24, 2025
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 embrace these tied to songs carried out by Tupac Shakur, Public Enemy, D’Angelo, and The Vanguard.
The Property of Dr. Khallid Abdul Muhammad has filed authorized motion in opposition to main hip-hop artists and document 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 embrace 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 trade whereas his title and contributions have been intentionally erased from the narrative.
Under are the lawsuit case numbers, together with the corresponding songs. Take heed to Dr. Khallild Muhammad’s speeches as utilized in these tracks and evaluate 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.
At the same time as lately as final yr, Khallid Muhammad’s voice was sampled with out permission, this time by Widespread on his 2024 monitor “So Many Individuals” (Loma Vista).
Legal professional Malik Zulu Shabazz, representing the Property, made it clear: “These lawsuits should not an assault on Public Enemy, Tupac’s household, or D’Angelo. They’re about accountability. The document labels and music firms exploited Khallid Muhammad’s voice for revenue, identical to they’ve completed to the Black artists whose songs featured him. Most of those artists don’t even personal the rights to their personal 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 obtained correct credit score on these iconic information. His legacy issues. These funds will be used to meet his mission via colleges, 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 Overview
Formal authorized letters have additionally been despatched to Ice Dice, Widespread (Loma Vista), “So Many Individuals” (2024), and Black Thought. Numerous tasks are underneath authorized evaluation. 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 imagine he was on his approach 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 Heart
• A nationwide Black Research curriculum for colleges
• A everlasting memorial and archive for revolutionary Black leaders
• Youth-focused instructional applications rooted in Black self-determination
• Movies, documentaries, and books about Dr. Muhammad’s life and legacy
“Trump reduce funding for African American establishments,” the Property mentioned. “So, the household is constructing their very own. This is about mission, not simply cash.” “The trade has profited off his phrases for many years,” mentioned Shabazz. “That period of exploitation ends now.”
For additional inquiries, contact Malik Shabazz, Esq., President, Black Attorneys for Justice at 301-513-5445 or legal professional.shabazz@yahoo.com.
This information was first reported by Blacknews.com
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