(AllHipHop News) Janelle Monáe’s protégé Jidenna has a certified hit on his hands with “Classic Man.” The tune has become a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and a remix of the track features Hip Hop superstar Kendrick Lamar.
[ALSO READ: Janelle Monáe & Jidenna Join March Against Police Brutality In Philly (VIDEO)]
With the success of the song, the Wondaland Records artist has faced speculation he sampled another smash record from last summer. Some listeners suspected “Classic Man” directly borrowed from Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy,” but Jidenna says that is not true.
“Some of the people have said Iggy Azalea is getting paid off this record. I’ve seen that a lot. The truth is, we actually didn’t sample it. But ever since the decision of Robin Thicke and Pharrell, we believe that it was important to make sure that we are safe,” explains Jidenna in an interview with Ebro In The Morning.
The surprising outcome from the Marvin Gaye family’s lawsuit victory over Thicke and Pharrell Williams caused many musicians to be more careful about crediting other performers that could simply appear to have inspired their work.
The Gaye family was awarded $7.4 million, because Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” (produced by Pharrell) sounded similar to Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up.” Fifty percent of the single’s publishing royalties must go to the late R&B icon’s descendants as well. However, Thicke has stated the judgement is still not final.
“When that Robin Thicke verdict came out, we realized the game had changed in music,” said Jidenna. “I’m glad we were safe.”
Monaé added her own thoughts on the Azalea/Jidenna situation, “Hey, she steals from us, we steal back.”
[ALSO READ: Pharrell Speaks On “Blurred Lines” Lawsuit, Warns It Will Handicap Artists]
Watch Jidenna and Janelle Monáe’s interview below.
