Legal Fight Breaks Out Over Rebecca Black's Unoriginal "Friday"

Rebecca Black

A legal fight has erupted over the rights to the Rebecca Black song and video "Friday." Ark Music Factory, who wrote and produced the song, in exchange for $2,000 from the 13-year-old's parents, insist they own the rights to the project. Black's parents beg to differ. As a result, there is talk of potential legal action over a song and video netting $27,000 per week via YouTube and iTunes.

Rebecca Black's "Friday"

Considering, Rebecca Black and her parents did not write the song or video, they most likely do not own the rights to either product, as that is the standard in the entertainment industry. Unless they signed a contract with Ark Music Factory, specifically stipulating they own the song and video, they are out of gas, as the aforementioned company appears to be functioning as a record label and production company.

Jodeci

Coincidentally, in listening to "Friday" it dawned on me last week that the song sounds like Jodeci's raunchy 1993 track "Let's Go Through The Motions." The songs have similar synths, basslines, melodies, rhythm, raps, crowd chants of "yea" and the word "day" repeated in the chorus. Both videos also feature a lot of people partying in the backyard of a house, a singer in bed and a car scene. However, Jodeci did theirs almost two decades ago.

Jodeci's "Let's Go Through The Motions" 1993 (left) - Rebecca Black's "Friday" 2011 (right)

Side Bar: Is it really appropriate that a 13-year-old should be singing about partying on the weekend, rather than studying and fighting acne. The subject matter seems older than the artist.

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Miley Cyrus

18-year-old singer, Miley Cyrus, slammed YouTube stars, by stating, "It should be harder to be an artist." Cyrus was making reference to artists such as Justin Bieber and Rebecca Black, who've gained fame from the frequently visited website YouTube.

What Cyrus fails to understand is the terrible politics, corruption, bribery and payola that goes on in the music industry. The entire industry is rigged. It operates as a monopoly and outsiders are not welcome. Major labels have turned to acts of violence to enforce this mafia-like rule.

Justib Bieber

Therefore, for the outsider seeking to expose their music to a global audience, YouTube is an outlet to do so. It levels the playing field to some degree. As a result, there are a number of very talented artists on YouTube, gaining exposure, while searching for their big break. Justin Bieber is the most successful to date, having sold 10,000,000 records worldwide.

Cyrus' dad became famous as a singer in the 1990s and ushered her into the entertainment industry as a singer and actress, using his connections. Therefore, she avoided much of the horrible abuse and exploitation many aspiring artists go through.

Rebecca Black

Cyrus has no clue what it's like, in a depraved industry that preys on young newcomers, calling them nobodies fit for theft and financial and sexual exploitation. Cyrus had the easy way to fame thanks to her dad. The Judiciary Report is not knocking that, but Cyrus fails to see both sides of the issue.

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