Lizzo is facing a copyright infringement lawsuit concerning an unreleased track. The complaint, filed on October 21, 2023, by the Georgia-based rights holder GRC Trust, claims she sampled elements from the 1970s soul song “Win or Lose (We Tried)” by Sam Dees. The issue arose after Lizzo used a snippet of the song in a TikTok video during the summer, where she made a reference to actress Sydney Sweeney and her controversial American Eagle advertisement.
According to the lawsuit, although the song has not been commercially released, the 13-second clip shared on social media generated enough exposure to warrant legal action. Jimmy Ginn, the publishing rights owner, indicated that attempts to settle the matter with Lizzo had reached an impasse, leading to the filing of the suit.
In response to the allegations, Lizzo’s representatives expressed surprise at the lawsuit, emphasizing that the song in question has never been monetized or made available for commercial release. They stated, “To be clear, the song has never been commercially released or monetized, and no decision has been made at this time regarding any future commercial release of the song.”
Concerns Over Music Industry Dynamics
Alongside the legal challenges, Lizzo has voiced her concerns about the current state of the music industry, particularly regarding streaming algorithms. Recently, she shared her worries that many of her fans may not be aware of her latest releases, including her mixtape, “My Face Hurts From Smiling,” which debuted last month and features collaborations with artists such as SZA and Doja Cat.
In a candid TikTok post, Lizzo remarked on the chaotic nature of the music industry today, stating, “The music industry is in complete shambles right now, and you can use that to your advantage.” She highlighted that while many major artists, including Lady Gaga and Drake, have released music this year, there is a significant disconnect between new releases and audience reach.
Lizzo elaborated on the challenges of navigating the modern music landscape, noting that the shift to digital streaming has complicated how artists connect with their audiences. “The way that the algorithm is set up, no one can serve the masses anymore,” she said. She expressed concern that the oversaturation of content makes it difficult for established artists to gain visibility, even as new artists benefit from platforms like TikTok.
As Lizzo navigates both legal hurdles and industry challenges, her situation underscores the evolving dynamics of music distribution and copyright in the digital age. The outcome of the lawsuit may have implications not only for her career but also for broader conversations about artists’ rights and the use of samples in contemporary music.
