If this goes to court than all parties tied to the production and creative control of “Lean Back” will have to appear in court.  Just to give an idea of the people that would have to appear in court- Fat Joe, Scott Storch, Remy, Lil Jon, and Eminem to name a few.  The courtroom would turn into a star-studded event.

To recap; in 2005 a story broke regarding VA rapper, Christopher Chapman a.k.a. Face Dirty, alleging that Fat Joe stole “Lean Back.”  At the time Universal along with Fat Joe’s camp denied all allegations and basically dismissed the claims.

To give a little more background to the story, Chapman became acquainted with Antwon Barnes after he was given Barnes’ telephone number by a VA music manager with ties to Universal/Motown A&Rs. 

Chapman and Barnes conversed on the phone over a period of roughly four months during which time Barnes solicited and showed interest in Chapman’s music.  Barnes began to dodge Chapman's calls and eventually told Chapman that Universal was no longer interested in him as an artist and to “rethink 'Lean Back’” because Fat Joe was coming out with a “summer banga” with the same name.  Universal confirms receiving a package from Chapman, but denies that Barnes’ opened it.  Ironically, it turned up that they did not have a submission from him.

“They’re pulling the White House, ‘We lost the emails' defense,” states Byers.  “I don’t believe in that many coincidences.”

A couple of months later, “Lean Back” is a hit and Fat Joe reaps all the benefits.  Chapman began to play the game of cat and mouse with the label, Barnes, and Fat Joe.  Chapman was tired of the games, hired an attorney and so the drama began.  

After more then two years Face Dirty is frustrated with the process.  He claims that he has missed out on deals with Columbia Records, TVT, and Warner Bros.  By signing with another label he would have to dismiss the whole “Lean Back” case and according to him, “it’s about principles.”  Chapman also said, “Don Cartagena ain’t real; he ain’t gangsta.”  

The question remains, did it really “take a down south brotha to bring ya boy back?”

Very few cases have dealt with rap music and copyright infringement to this exact.  If Chapman were to win it would a new legal precedent.  

“It is no doubt in my mind that the jury will do the right thing.  It’s so common that it is painful for young starving artist to have their material stolen because these major labels can get away with it.  Sorry to say, but it’s time for these music industry execs to face the music.”

Hopefully it will not take another two years to find out.