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Production duo Kemika1956, known for their work on the critically acclaimed FX series Reservation Dogs, have filed a lawsuit alleging that the rapper’s track shamelessly ripped off the beat from their 2021 song “Greasy Frybread.”
The legal battle, filed in a Texas federal court, throws Cardi B and her collaborators OG Parker and DJ SwanQo, along with Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group, into the hot seat. The heart of the dispute? Kemika1956 claim that “Enough (Miami)” shamelessly borrows the rhythmic backbone of their “Greasy Frybread” track, which featured on Reservation Dogs.
“Greasy Frybread,” featuring rapper “Punkin’ Lusty,” played by actor Sten Joddi in the series, has garnered over 758,000 views on FX Networks’ YouTube channel since its release. The lawsuit alleges that Cardi B and her team were well aware of the track, highlighting the striking similarities between the two songs.
The timing of the lawsuit couldn’t be more interesting. “Enough (Miami)”, Cardi B’s first solo single since 2021, stormed the Billboard Hot 100, reaching the coveted number nine spot. The track also earned a coveted spot on Rolling Stone’s “Best Songs of 2024 So Far” list.
The complaint calls for damages and requests an injunction to halt further distribution of “Enough (Miami).” It cites counts of copyright infringement, vicarious liability, contributory infringement, unfair competition, and misappropriation. A court showdown could be looming as Cardi faces off against the accusations of beat-jacking from the underground act Kemika1956.
