U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig of the Eastern District of Missouri tossed the go well with, ruling that Ali’s claims had been each time-barred and legally poor. The choice ends a two-year authorized battle that revisited artistic disputes surrounding Nelly’s 2000 debut album Country Grammar, which helped set up the rapper as one in every of hip-hop’s top-selling artists.

Jones, who carried out as Ali within the St. Louis collective, alleged that he contributed authentic materials to a number of tracks on Country Grammar however was by no means credited or compensated. He accused Nelly of copyright infringement and sought damages for unjust enrichment, arguing that the rapper profited from his artistic enter.

Nelly Wins Lawsuit Against Ali Over ‘Country Grammar’

According to court filings, Nelly’s authorized crew issued a letter in June 2021 rejecting Jones’ claims of authorship and possession.

Judge Fleissig dominated that the letter began the three-year statute of limitations for submitting a copyright declare. It expired earlier than Jones submitted his grievance.

The courtroom additionally discovered that Jones’ attorneys tried to bypass the statute by amending the grievance and omitting vital dates. A tactic Judge Fleissig described as an act of unhealthy religion.

“The Court finds that Plaintiffs’ counsel acted unreasonably and vexatiously in continuing to pursue claims that were clearly time-barred and preempted,” the decide wrote in her order.

In addition to dismissing the grievance, the courtroom imposed a $1,000 sanction towards Jones’ authorized crew. The decide ordered them to reimburse Nelly’s attorneys for charges incurred after the primary submitting.

The decide declined to penalize Jones personally. However, the decide criticized him and his counsel for advancing claims unsupported by truth or regulation.

The ruling closes the door on Jones’ try and safe authorship credit score greater than 20 years after Country Grammar’s launch. For Nelly, it marks a big authorized vindication. A reaffirmation of his artistic possession over one in every of hip-hop’s defining albums.