Christian Rappers Sue Katy Perry for Stealing 'Dark Horse'

Katy Perry’s hit “Dark Horse” is ripped off from a Christian rap song; at least that is what a group of Christians rappers are claiming in a lawsuit against the pop star. Rappers Flame and Lecrae have accused Perry of using the tune of their track “Joyful Noise” for her number one Billboard hit “Dark Horse.” 

According to Christian Today, the Christian rap single “Joyful Noise” was written in 2007, five years before Perry’s song. It featured Christian rappers Lecrae, Emanuel Lambert and Chike Ojukwu and was nominated for Best Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year award from the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. “Our World: Redeemed,” Flame’s album which featured “Joyful Noise” was nominated for a Grammy in 2008. 

The lawsuit says, "Specifically, defendants' unauthorized reproduction, distribution, and public performance of plaintiffs' musical composition constitute infringement of plaintiffs' exclusive rights in their copyright.” 

The Christian rappers also intend to use for damages. According to the rappers, Perry’s use of the tune not only plagiarized their work, it also impacted their Christian image.

"The devoutly religious message of “Joyful Noise” has been irreparably tarnished by its association with the witchcraft, paganism, black magic, and Illuminati imagery evoked by the same music in Dark Horse,” the lawsuit continued. 

Flame reportedly brought about the lawsuit after a blog post on SoundsJustLike.com compared “Joyful Noise” with “Dark Horse.”

Publication date: July 3, 2014