Beyoncé’s label and management company, Parkwood Entertainment, has filed a motion to dismiss a copyright lawsuit surrounding the 2022 hit track “Alien Superstar.” The case, initiated by indie label Soundmen on Wax Records, claims ownership over the 1998 song “Moonraker,” which they allege was sampled without proper authorization for Beyoncé’s track.
The opening lyrics of “Alien Superstar” feature a spoken-word snippet taken from “Moonraker”: “Please do not be alarmed, remain calm/ Do not attempt to leave the dancefloor/ The DJ booth is conducting a troubleshoot of the entire system.” The song became a commercial success, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing Beyoncé’s continued influence in contemporary music.
Court filings indicate that Parkwood Entertainment obtained the necessary permissions to use the sample, purchasing both a recording and composition license directly from John Holiday, the original creator of “Moonraker.” The deal reportedly included a $10,000 payment and a 0.5% royalty share of “Alien Superstar.” The key point of contention in the lawsuit is who legally holds the rights to “Moonraker.” Soundmen on Wax argues that they acquired the rights through a distribution deal with Holiday in 1998.
Parkwood’s legal team contends that Soundmen on Wax has failed to provide the documentation required to substantiate their claim. In their filing, the lawyers stated: “As plaintiff concedes, Parkwood obtained a master use and composition license for the relevant ‘Moonraker’ sample from Holiday. That good faith, nonexclusive license prevails over plaintiff’s alleged undocumented and undisclosed transfer, which was never recorded.”
Due to this apparent lack of verifiable documentation, Parkwood describes the lawsuit as “meritless” and argues that it should be dismissed promptly. The motion to dismiss is further supported by Sony Music and Warner Chappell, both named as defendants in the suit. Notably, Beyoncé herself is not personally implicated in the legal action.
Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment Moves to Dismiss Copyright Lawsuit Over “Alien Superstar” Sample
“Renaissance,” Beyoncé’s 2022 album that features “Alien Superstar,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and is known for its extensive use of samples and interpolations. While some artists whose work was sampled, such as Robin S of “Show Me Love” fame, have praised the creative use of their music, others, including Kelis of “Milkshake” notoriety, have expressed dissatisfaction over how their work was incorporated.
The legal dispute over “Alien Superstar” is part of a broader trend of litigation linked to samples on “Renaissance.” A similar case emerged last year concerning Beyoncé’s lead single “Break My Soul.” That track included a cleared sample from Big Freedia, yet a New Orleans-based group claimed that lyrics were borrowed from their 2002 track “Release a Wiggle.” That lawsuit was eventually withdrawn, underscoring the complexities of sampling in modern music.
Parkwood’s motion to dismiss emphasizes that they acted in good faith by securing the appropriate licenses, highlighting a critical legal principle in music sampling cases: properly obtained licenses from the original copyright holders generally take precedence over any undocumented claims. The company argues that Soundmen on Wax has not provided evidence of an official transfer of rights from Holiday, and without such proof, their claims cannot be upheld.
Industry observers note that high-profile artists such as Beyoncé often navigate a complex web of rights management when incorporating samples into new works. The practice of sampling, while artistically enriching, often leads to legal scrutiny, particularly when rights ownership is ambiguous or poorly documented. “Renaissance” has attracted attention not only for its musical innovation but also for how it illustrates both the opportunities and legal challenges inherent in contemporary sampling.
Parkwood Entertainment and its legal team are confident that the court will recognize the legitimacy of the licenses obtained from Holiday, allowing the case to be dismissed. If successful, it would reaffirm the principle that clear, documented agreements with the original creator of a sampled work are legally binding and provide protection against third-party claims.
As the case unfolds, it highlights ongoing tensions in the music industry between creative freedom and copyright enforcement. For Beyoncé, Parkwood, and other artists, navigating these legal frameworks is increasingly critical, particularly when albums like Renaissance leverage a wide array of samples to achieve artistic vision.
The outcome of this lawsuit may have wider implications for sampling practices across the industry, underscoring the importance of thorough documentation and proper licensing to avoid costly legal disputes. Meanwhile, “Alien Superstar” continues to resonate with audiences, further solidifying Beyoncé’s legacy as an innovative and influential artist in modern music.
This case is one of several legal matters that have emerged around Renaissance, reflecting both the album’s artistic ambition and the complexity of rights management in contemporary music production. Parkwood’s motion to dismiss, supported by major industry players, is a significant step in defending the album’s creative integrity while clarifying the legal responsibilities involved in music sampling.
Source- News
