Why Rick Ross Is Suing LMFAO

Rick Ross is suing LMFAO for copyright infringement, claiming the refrain "Everday I'm shufflin'" from the duo's 2010 chart-topper "Party Rock Anthem" rips off the Bawse's own lyric, "Everday I'm hustlin'" from his 2006 single "Hustlin,'" according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Learn the Story Behind LMFAO's Song "Party Rock Anthem"

"The use of 'Hustlin" in 'Party Rock Anthem' is readily apparent, despite the slight change from 'Everyday I’m hustlin'. . . 'to 'Everyday I’m shufflin'. . . " and constitutes, inter alia, the creation of an unauthorized derivative work," the lawsuit reads. To boot, the suit, which was filed in a Florida federal court, states that LMFAO's performance of the lyric is similar to Ross' making it "an obvious attempt to capitalize on the fame and success of 'Hustlin."

Ross and "Hustlin'" co-composer Jermaine Jackson (not of Jackson 5 fame) are seeking an injunction and maximum statutory damages from LMFAO. While no figure was given, the damages could amount to a substantial amount considering "Party Rock Anthem"'s massive sales figures (it's sold 7.5 million copies to date) and its use in various films, TV shows, video games and advertisements; the phrase in question has also appeared on T-shirts and other items in LMFAO's Party Rock Clothing line.