Tracy Chapman will move forward with her copyright infringement lawsuit against Nicki Minaj, as the two reportedly failed to come to an agreement during a recent court-ordered mediation. According to The Blast, Chapman has accused Nicki of sampling her record “Baby Can I Hold You” for the song “Sorry.” Nicki reportedly confirmed via court documents that the song did not appear on her Queen album because Chapman did not approve the sample.
The outlet reports that Nicki and Chapman’s “mediation was unsuccessful, and no settlement was reached. Settlement in not imminent.” Chapman sued Nicki last fall. Months prior, the rapper revealed that the delay for her Queen album was because of Chapman and the record’s sample clearance being in limbo. “So there’s a record on #Queen that features 1of the greatest rappers of all time,” Nicki tweeted at the time. “Had no clue it sampled the legend #TracyChapman – do I keep my date & lose the record? Or do I lose the record & keep my date?” Nicki added, “Can you please hit me. omg for the love of #Queen.”
According to Vibe, “Sorry” was never officially released. However, Nicki is accused of leaking the record to NYC DJ Funkmaster Flex, who debuted the track on his radio show.
Nicki denies committing copyright infringement, and claims fair use as her argument in the case. Nicki has also allegedly claimed that Chapman does not own the copyright to the record, and is asking for the lawsuit to be dismissed.
In other news, Nicki announced last month that she would be retiring from the rap game. “I’ve decided to retire & have my family. I know you guys are happy now. To my fans, keep reppin me, do it til da death of me, in the box- cuz ain’t nobody checkin me. Love you for LIFE,” she wrote on Twitter.
Weeks later, Nicki seemingly eased out of retirement after revealing on Instagram that she collabed on a record with PnB Rock and producer Murda Beatz. The track, which went along with the announcement of her deal with designer brand Fendi, was released on Sept. 26.