LUDACRIS - LUDACRIS AND KANYE WEST FACE COPYRIGHT CASE

Rappers LUDACRIS and KANYE WEST have defended themselves in a New York court against allegations they stole the lyrics and style of their 2003 hit single STAND UP. New Jersey Group I.O.F (IT'S ONLY FAMILY) claim the pair breached copyright laws, by copying their song STRAIGHT LIKE THAT. But lawyers representing the superstar insist they had never heard the song, and played the court a series of other songs to show similar rhythms and the chorus "like that", which is used in both songs, were not original to I.O.F. Ludacris and West's lawyer CHRISTINE LEPERA told the court, "The first time they heard the song Straight Like That was when this lawsuit was filed. "There are scores of songs out there with the words 'like that' with that type of rhythm. They do not need to copy anyone's music." I.O.F lawyer MEL SACHS argued "a constellation of similarities" was present between the two songs, as well as a "call and response" style. He told the court, "This song Stand Up catapulted Ludacris's career. It was certified gold by the recording industry. "(I.O.F) put a lot of time and effort into doing this song and then it was taken away from them." The case continues.