Chicago-Based Artist Claims Nicki Minaj Stole Song

Clive Tanaka files copyright infringement lawsuit over "Starships" song

An underground artist based out of Chicago claims pop star Nicki Minaj stole portions of his song in one of her biggest hits.

The Chicago Tribune reports that underground artist Clive Tanaka filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Chicago claiming that Minaj's hit 2011 song "Starships" uses substantial portions of his song "Neu Chicago."

The lawsuit names Minaj and several of her collaborators on the song.

Tanaka's suit claims some of the writers of "Starship" were living in Sweden where his song was getting widespread radio and TV airplay, the newspaper reports.

The artist posted a clip (below) on his SoundCloud page that synchronizes the two songs in order to show the similarities.

Minaj's camp has not officially responded to the allegations.

Contact Us