Beyoncé Sued by New Orleans Group Over “Break My Soul” Sample

“The infringing phrase ‘release yo’ wiggle’ and several other substantially similar phrases are featured prominently in the song and evenly spread out across Explode’s two-minute and forty-seven second runtime,” the lawyers added. “Any reasonable person listening to ‘Release A Wiggle’ and ‘Explode’ would conclude that the songs are substantially similar.”

Billboard also notes that copyright law typically doesn’t protect “short, simple phrases” and that a court could hypothetically dismiss the case. Despite this, Da Showstoppaz’ lawyers feel confident in their case, adding they “have a copyright to their unique and distinctive lyrics” that were allegedly infringed upon by Freedia.

“The coined term and phrase ‘release a/yo wiggle’ has now become closely synonymous with Big Freedia, thereby contributing to Big Freedia’s fame,” wrote the lawyers further into the suit. “However, Big Fredia did not compose or write the phrase, and Big Freedia never credited Da Showstoppaz as the source.”

Da Showstoppaz claim they first learned about Big Freedia’s “Explode” through Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul.” They also say they contacted Beyoncé and others about the alleged infringement but did not receive a response.

“Break My Soul” was the surprise lead single for Beyoncé’s blockbuster Renaissance LP. According to Billboard, the song, which also samples Robin S.’s “Show Me Love,” topped the Hot 100 chart for two weeks, becoming her first solo No. 1 hit in 14 years since 2008’s “Single Ladies.”