Ice Spice Sued for Alleged Copyright Infringement of ‘In Ha Mood’: Inside the Legal Battle

Ice Spice Sued for Alleged Copyright Infringement of ‘In Ha Mood’: Inside the Legal Battle

Ice Spice, born Isis Naija Gaston, has recently been sued for copyright infringement over her 2023 single “In Ha Mood.” The lawsuit was filed by Brooklyn rapper D. Chamberz (Duval Chamberlain) at the Brooklyn Federal Court. Chamberlain claims that “In Ha Mood” incorporates several elements from his 2021 single “In That Mood.” He alleges that the beat, lyrics, hook, rhythmic structure, metrical placement, and narrative context of Ice Spice’s song are strikingly similar to his own track.

Chamberlain’s legal team has pointed out that even non-expert listeners have recognized the similarities between the two songs. The complaint also suggests that Ice Spice’s producer, RIOTUSA, might have been familiar with “In That Mood.” This is based on evidence that RIOTUSA was listening to New York radio station HOT97 shortly before “In That Mood” was played on air. Additionally, RIOTUSA’s father, DJ ENUFF, who is a radio personality on HOT97, had actively engaged with D. Chamberz’s social media content.

Chamberlain’s suit names Ice Spice, RIOTUSA (Ephrem Lopez, Jr.), Universal Music Group, Capitol Records, and 10K Projects as defendants. He is reportedly seeking at least half of the song’s publishing rights and other revenues, in addition to damages.

This lawsuit highlights the complexities surrounding copyright in the music industry, especially when it comes to elements like beat, lyrics, and thematic similarities. Ice Spice has not publicly commented on the matter as of the latest reports.