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Haters Gonna Hate: Taylor Swift Sued Over 'Shake it Off'

By: Sep. 19, 2017
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Since Taylor Swift released her hit song "Shake It Off" about two years ago, many listeners have pointed out the uncanny similarity between her lyrics and the 2001 song "Playas Gon' Play" by girl group 3LW.

The "Playas Gon' Play" songwriters, Sean Hall and Nathan Butler, are now suing Swift, claiming that about 20% of her song is copied from them, as reported by TMZ. They are requesting 20% of the songwriting credit and all the royalties they are supposedly owed.

Some of the lyrics from "Playas Gon' Play" are "playas, they gonna play and haters, they gonna hate." It's easy to see the similarities, but Swift is not convinced.

Taylor's reps have responded to the suit. "This is a ridiculous claim and nothing more than a money grab. The law is simple and clear. They do not have a case," they said.

3LW's song was #81 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 2001. Hall and Butler have also written for stars such as Justin Bieber, Lionel Richie, Backstreet Boys and Maroon 5.

Take a listen to both songs and decide if "Playas Gon' Play" has a case.

Taylor Swift - "Shake It Off"

3LW - "Playas Gon' Play"


Image: Screenshot



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