Jay Z forced to pay out royalties to Bruno Spoerri after stealing his music

Jay-Z to pay Bruno Spoerri 50% of royalties after ‘stealing’ his instrumental for hit song ‘Versus’

The rapper and hip hop mogul originally offer $25,000 to the jazz musician to settle the case.

The lifted melody in question came from a song composed by the Swiss pianist and saxophonist in 1978, ATS said.

Jay Z, the stage name of Shawney Corey Carter, a 45-year-old rapper, record producer and entrepreneur,

only admitted to using the music without attribution a few months ago, according to the report.

Spoerri rejected an initial offer to settle the dispute, considering it too low.

The 79-year-old has been making a living from music since 1967.

He has worked with the likes of Lee Konitz, Hans Kennel and George Gruntz.

Among other things he has directed the Zurich jazz festival and music schools in Zurich and Lucerne.

Check out for yourself Spoerri’s allegations of plagiarism with the two YouTube videos below:

Agencies/Canadajournal