Within the fall of 2021, Bad Bunny and his collaborators on the YHLQMDLG observe “Safaera” have been hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit over samples used within the music. The criticism was filed by AOM Music, Inc.—whose registered agent is Omar Merced, the son of BM Data founder Pedro Merced. The swimsuit claimed that “Safaera” incorporates music from DJ Playero’s influential Playero mixtapes—particularly the songs “Besa Tu Cuerpo,” “Chocha con Bicho,” and “Sigan Bailando.” Now, Unhealthy Bunny and his collaborators have reached a preliminary settlement with Merced, Rolling Stone experiences and Pitchfork can verify.
In accordance with court docket paperwork considered by Pitchfork, all events reached a “settlement in precept” throughout a current mediation. It was additionally famous that “a draft of a settlement settlement has been circulated, however the Events anticipate this course of to take a while for the reason that settlement is advanced and would require the evaluation and approval of a number of company and particular person events.”
Because of the mediation outcomes, a federal choose in California suspended hearings within the case on Tuesday, January 24. If a proper dismissal of the case isn’t filed by February 17, the events should report again on the standing of the settlement course of, the choose dominated.
Within the authentic criticism, Merced requested for $150,000 in statutory damages for every infringed work or precise damages in the best way of any and all beneficial properties, earnings, and benefits derived from the discharge of “Safaera,” as properly an injunction to impound or destroy the infringing works and attorneys charges.
The criticism cited Pitchfork’s opinions of “Safaera” and YLHQMDLG as proof of DJ Playero’s affect on the music, and included a graphic evaluating the musical notation of “Besa Tu Cuerpo,” “Chocha con Bicho,” and “Sigan Bailando” with that of “Safaera.”
Together with Unhealthy Bunny, the defendants listed within the swimsuit are rappers Jowell & Randy and Ñengo Flow, in addition to producers Tainy and DJ Orma, Unhealthy Bunny’s label Rimas Leisure, and several other different labels and publishing corporations. After its launch in February of 2020, “Safaera” was briefly pulled from digital streaming providers in Could of that 12 months resulting from pattern clearance points.
When reached by Pitchfork, legal professional for AOM Music, Inc., provided no remark. Pitchfork has additionally reached out to representatives for Unhealthy Bunny and attorneys for the musician and his co-defendants.
