Justin Timberlake had better put his "Suit & Tie" back on - because he's getting sued. '70s R&B group Sly, Slick and Wicked are taking the "Drink You Away" superstar and Jay Z as well as Timberlake's label Universal Music Group to court because they say their song "Sho' Nuff" was sampled and they were never properly compensated.
According to TMZ, "Sho' Nuff" was sampled on the 20/20 Experience lead single "Suit & Tie" in 2013. While Timberlake and UMG paid Sly, Slick and Wicked for the instrumentals in the song - which are undeniably there - the label never got the rights to their vocal performances from the James Brown produced song. They're now seeking undisclosed damages and back pay.
Despite getting paid for the horns from "Sho' Nuff," Sly, Slick and Wicked's members claim that they were not paid for the licensing and promotions that used Timberlake's "Suit & Tie," including a Bud Light commercial. The band also points to the massive success of "Suit & Tie" for why they should be owed more money. The single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold over 3 million downloads. The video also has over 93 million views on YouTube.
Sly, Slick & Wicked are an R&B group who worked for James Brown's People Records in the 1970s. They are, in fact, best known for "Sho' Nuff" being sampled in "Suit & Tie." The original single was released back in 1973.
Neither Timberlake nor Universal Music Group have spoken out about the pending lawsuit.
