By Tai Saint Louis
Attorneys for Grammy-award winning rapper Chamillionaire and his company Chamilitary, Inc., filed a lawsuit in Texas on January 11 against Philly based producer Dave MG, who is credited as the composer behind the song "You Must Be Crazy" on Chamillionaire’s September 2007 release, Ultimate Victory.
The suit is the latest in a series of events initiated when another producer, Jomar Dogue – professionally known as Jomeezius the Genius - contacted the Chamillionaire’s attorneys, alleging that he was the sole and original composer of the track, which was sold to Chamilitary Inc. under the title "It’s a Man’z World."
Dogue threatened to file a copyright infringement suit, seeking a preliminary injunction that would prevent the sale and distribution of "You Must Be Crazy" in any format.
According to the lawsuit filed by the law firm of Stumpf Farrimond in Houston, the original producer’s agreement between Chamilitary Inc. and Static Management, Dave MG’s employer, granted Chamilitary, Inc. the right to settle any third party claims, so long as the management company agrees to the settlement.
In an inducement letter attached to the producer’s agreement, Dave MG, whose real name is David Burke, asserted that he was the song’s original composer and that he granted the management company permission to act on his behalf in regards to the composition.
Upon investigating the claim by Jomar Dogue, Chamillionaire and his counsel decided that the best course of action was to settle the producer’s claim, a decision to which Static Management consented.
On January 10, Dave MG sent the rapper’s lawyers a letter objecting to the terms of the settlement and threatened to sue Chamilitary for taking actions that were in disregard to his rights. He further stated that Static did not have the right to consent on his behalf.
Stumpf Farrimond states in court documents that Dave MG was given the opportunity to participate in settlement negotiations weeks before a final decision was reached and that he also declined the opportunity to negotiate directly with Dogue.
Chamilitary, Inc. has requested a jury trial in the district courts of Harris County, Texas, to determine the rights and obligations of each party involved in the original producer’s agreement, including the validity of Static Management’s consent to the settlement between Dogue and Chamilitary, Inc.
They are also seeking to recover all attorney fees and damages related to the proceeds.