Eminem's Publishers Go to Court Over Download Drama

1 month ago 25th Sep 12:00

Eminem's tributes plus news of his game court case

Eminem and Apple Inc bosses are heading to court over 93 songs the rap star's publishers never gave them permission to pass off as downloads.

The two parties have failed to settle a 2007 lawsuit over the tracks, which were offered to fans via the iTunes music service.

The heads of Eminem's music publisher, Eight Mile Style Llc, accused Apple of using their client's songs without permission. The publishers also sued Aftermath Records bosses, stating they had no right to approve the digital downloads.

The non-jury trial is expected to start in Eminem's native Detroit, Michigan on Thursday (24Sep09).

Eminem's publishers claim Apple gained $2.58 million (£1.72 million) from the iTunes downloads, including over $465,000 (£310,000) from the rapper's hit Lose Yourself.

The trial is expected to last five to seven days.

In related news Eminem paid tribute to rapper/actor Ll Cool J at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors event in New York on Wednesday night (23Sep09) when he joined the Roots onstage for a rendition of Rock the Bells.

Eminem was an unannounced special guest, who stepped onstage at the Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn to rap with Roots star Black Thought. the Roots were also involved in the performance highlight of the event, teaming up with Public Enemy, Rage Against The Machine star Tom Morello and Sweeper Social Club for 1987 anthem Rebel Without a Pause.

Other live collaborations included Wale, Krs-One and Gym Class Heroes' rock version of the Beastie Boys' No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn, Gym Class Heroes' hook-up with Dmx on Party Up and Mary J. Blige and Method Man's rendition of I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need To Get By.