Funk Legend Claims Group Stole His Song
2:00PM ET December 13th, 2010
Contributor : Stephen Willis
A Rocky Williform Company

Legendary godfather of funk George Clinton has filed a multi-million dollar copyright infringement lawsuit over a remix to the Black Eyed Peas 2003 hit song "Shut Up." Clinton alleges that the song utilized portions of the Funkadelic classic "(Not Just) Knee Deep" without Clinton's permission.

Also, in 2009, Black Eyed Peas-associated producers contacted Clinton about licensing a sample of "(Not Just) Knee Deep," and someone is accused of forging George Clinton's signature for clearing the sample--which had already been used by the Peas on the previous song.

Clinton says he never signed or gave permission for anything.