Rappers Sued By Jazz Legend

Joe Farrell

Rappers Kanye West, Method Man, Redman and Common are all being sued by the estate of the late jazz saxophonist Joe Farrell, for sampling his music without permission.

Farrell's daughter, Kathleen Firrantello, filed the lawsuit against the hip hoppers and their various labels (all of which are owned by Universal) last Thursday. In all cases, the rappers are accused of using portions of 'Upon This Rock', which Farrell released in 1974, without gaining (or seeking) approval beforehand.

The tracks in question are West's 'Gone', Common's 'Chi-City' (which was co-written and produced by West), and 'Run 4 Cover' by Method Man and Redman.