Bad Bunny’s ‘Frankenstein’ rhythm defense in copyright case creates ‘nightmare’ for judge
Bad Bunny’s lawyers are asking a judge to reconsider a ruling in a copyright claims lawsuit over the usage of rhythmic patterns. (Getty Images)
Bad Bunny’s lawyers are asking a judge to reconsider his earlier ruling in a copyright claims lawsuit involving a “Frankenstein” beat from a 1989 Jamaican song.
U.S. District Judge Andre Birrotte Jr. stated in a Los Angeles courtroom hearing on Friday that he would “mull this nightmare over some more.” His earlier ruling instructed the jury to decide questions of originality and copyright protection for “Fish Market,” recorded by Cleveland “Clevie” Browne and Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson, known professionally at the duo Steely & Clevie.
Three lawsuits were filed from 2021 to 2022, alleging 56 songs recorded by various artists infringed the duo’s works, according to coverage on BloombergLaw.com.
Among those songs at issue are Drake’s “One Dance” and Bad Bunny’s “A Tu Merced.” Kenneth Freundlich argued on behalf of Bad Bunny and said the collection of musical elements the plaintiffs allege form a distinct selection and arrangement are piece-mealed together from separate musical works—creating a so-called “Frankenstein” beat.
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