artwork for the Trouble Funk single "Say What!" allegedly sampled by the Beastie Boys according to a lawsuit filed by Tuf America
Trouble_Funk-Say_What
Another plot-twist in the fast & furious developments of the case of The Beastie Boys vs. Tuf America. The Washington Post spoke today with Tony "Big Tony" Fisher of the DC-based go-go group Trouble Funk--named as the aggrieved party in the Tuf America suit--who apparently knew nothing about either the alleged samples or any legal action. Fisher told the post that although Tuff City--the golden era rap indie which has been reincarnated as Tuf America--was handling publishing rights for the group, he had no specific knowledge of the lawsuit filed on May 3rd:
We’ve been signed with Tuff City publishing company over 10 years and they’re pretty much going after people that have been using and abusing our stuff without our permission...
Fisher also stated that he was unaware of the untimely passing of Beasties co-founder Adam "MCA" Yauch the day after the lawsuit was filed (May 4th) telling the Post:
Wow, I’m sorry to hear that. We toured with the Beastie Boys and I like ’em. They’re good cats. And they really admired the band. I’m so sorry to hear that.
According to Post correspondent Chris Richards, the Beastie Boys camp was also contacted but a representative for the group was away for “family bereavement” and unavailable for comment.
props to WP
