A Louisiana-based entertainment company has launched a legal battle against an Atlanta musician and his associated entities over alleged copyright infringement. Trill Entertainment, LLC and Trill Productions, LLC filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana on July 2, 2024, accusing Gregory Morgan, known professionally as BHM Peezy, along with Asset Distribution, LLC and Verge Records International, Inc., doing business as ONErpm.
The plaintiffs claim that BHM Peezy's song "Webbie Flow" unlawfully samples their copyrighted work "Give Me That," performed by their exclusive artist Webbie. According to the lawsuit, "Webbie Flow" not only uses Webbie's name but also copies significant portions of "Give Me That," which was released in 2005 and has since become a hit. The plaintiffs allege that this unauthorized use constitutes copyright infringement under the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C.A. §§ 101 et seq.) and violates Louisiana state laws regarding unfair trade practices and unjust enrichment.
Trill Entertainment asserts that they hold exclusive rights to Webbie's recordings and compositions through contracts dating back to 2003. The song "Give Me That," featuring Bernard Freeman (Bun B) and produced by Jeremy Allen, was a commercial success, reaching number four on Billboard’s Hot Rap Tracks chart and selling over 500,000 copies. The plaintiffs argue that BHM Peezy's "Webbie Flow" is an unauthorized derivative work that infringes upon these rights.
The complaint details how Orlando McGhee, a former Vice President at WEA International who promoted "Give Me That," now works for ONErpm and had direct knowledge of the song’s significance. Despite this awareness, McGhee allegedly facilitated the release of "Webbie Flow" through ONErpm and Asset Distribution without obtaining proper licenses or permissions from Trill Entertainment.
The plaintiffs are seeking several forms of relief from the court. They request preliminary and permanent injunctions to stop further distribution of "Webbie Flow." Additionally, they demand an accounting of profits generated from the infringing work, damages including statutory damages under the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. §504), attorney fees, costs associated with expert witnesses, and compensation for unfair trade practices under Louisiana law (LSA-R.S. 51:1409). They also seek treble damages if it is proven that defendants acted knowingly after being notified by the Attorney General.
Representing Trill Entertainment are attorneys Roy H. Maughan Jr., Namisha D. Patel, and Joshua D. Roy from The Maughan Law Firm based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The case is being presided over by Judge John W. deGravelles with Case ID: 3:24-cv-00534-JWD-SDJ.