Sue The Throne

Do not be misconstrued. This post isn't to glorify these two. It also isn't to speculate or breakdown whether or not they are affiliated with the illuminati. Opinions are like yesterdays and everyone has one. Either you can be aware of the possibility or you can be naive and subscribe to the 'ignorance is bliss' party. Either way, this is about copyright infringement and producing.
Apparently the last track on the deluxe version of The Throne's (Jay-Z and Kanye) album 'The Joy' featured a sample that was not cleared properly. Of course they got the bread to clear the shit. This just reinforces when business isn't conducted properly, there will be a consequence. No matter who the hell you may be.
Syl Johnson, who is singer Syleena Johnson's father (who sang on 'All Falls Down' by Kanye), is eventually gonna sue them for infringing his 1967 song 'Different Strokes.' That is before Kanye & Jay go ahead and settle it outside of court. Trust me, they don't want the controversy of going to court over shit like this. They will settle and most likely give Johnson what he deserves for the sample clearance and then some just to be courteous.
Aside from that, this is why I'm moving away from sampling. Its becoming more of a liability than an asset for artists. Not necessarily for producers though. If I make 1,000 sampled beats and no one never uses or buys them, I'm not breaking the law. Its copyright infringement when you make a song to a sampled beat and attempt to sell and market it commercially (radio, TV, etc). This is what ASCAP is in business for. They track these things.
I'm moving away from sampling because of the hassle that the artist may encounter. If they are backed by a label, then they are backed by the labels finances to clear a sample. Local artists on the other hand is different. My leasing and exclusive rights contracts state that Flamez Bond & Covert Ent is not responsible for any or all sample clearances that may have been used but of course, clients are notified if the beat they want to lease or buy contains a sample. Besides, I prefer to make beats from scratch and build them up. Its way more creative and gratifying at the end of it all because its 100% original and its something no one has ever heard before
To wrap this up, the whole sampling thing is a part of hip hop. Taking something old and making it new or 'hip.' Sampling is also fun and it gives a nice sound to any track but you gotta make sure you take care of business right or business will take care you.

@FlamezBond