According to the judge, Nicki Minaj has not infringed copyright with the use of a sample from a song by Tracy Chapman, Variety reports Thursday.
In 2018 Minaj used a sample of Chapman’s song Baby Can I Hold You in the song Sorry . The rapper actually wanted to add the song to her album Queen, but declined because Chapman did not give permission to use the sample.
Ultimately, the song was leaked and Chapman decided to go to court. The singer sued Minaj for copyright infringement.
However, the judge agrees with Minaj and points to fair use . US law gives citizens the right to use copyrighted material if it is a small fragment in “experimental form.” According to the judge, if this were prohibited, it would hinder creativity.