Home / Arts and Entertainment / El Chombo Co-Writer Sues Publisher for $3M in Royalties
El Chombo Co-Writer Sues Publisher for $3M in Royalties
25 Mar
Summary
- Singer Cutty Ranks seeks $3 million in unpaid royalties.
- The lawsuit concerns the viral hit song 'Dame Tu Cosita'.
- A separate case alleges the song infringes on a 1989 track.
Jamaican dancehall singer Cutty Ranks, born Philip Thomas, has initiated legal action against Payday Publishing, seeking a minimum of $3 million in alleged underpaid royalties. Ranks claims the publishing company failed to distribute his entitled share from the 2018 viral sensation 'Dame Tu Cosita,' which he co-wrote with El Chombo.
The original version of 'Dame Tu Cosita' was recorded in 1997 for the album 'Cuentos de la Cripta 2.' Its resurgence as a global phenomenon occurred in 2018 following a viral dance video, leading to a commissioned extended version that achieved significant chart success.
Ranks alleges that he signed licensing agreements with Payday, promising him at least 75% of the royalties. However, the lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, March 25, asserts that Payday has not remitted these funds or provided a proper accounting, leading to a breach of contract claim.
This legal dispute is not the first for 'Dame Tu Cosita.' In 2021, Jamaican duo Steely & Clevie filed a lawsuit against El Chombo, alleging that the song infringes on their 1989 track 'Fish Market.' This ongoing case has expanded to include broader claims about the origins of the reggaetón dembow rhythm and accusations of copying against numerous prominent artists.
