Childish Gambino's collaborator slams the rumors suggesting that "This Is America" was plagiarized. Some critics claimed that the rapper, whose real name is Donald Glover, stole the song from Jase Harley.
Fam Rothstein, the co-principal of Wolf + Rothstein and the co-producer of "This Is America" said that the track was not copied from Harley, a New Jersey-based rapper.
"The Internet is a place of no consequences. I hate that Toronto Akademiks/every white blogger can say something as gospel and y'all take it. This song is 3 years old, and we have Pro Tools to prove it," tweeted Rothstein.
Jase Harley Responds To Donald Glover Plagiarism Rumors
Allegations against Glover copying Harley's song first came to light on Reddit last weekend after he had performed "This Is America" the track at the BET Awards. Despite the controversy, Harley said that he is pleased that his song might have inspired Gambino's music.
"I always felt my song inspired it lol from the first time I heard it. It's cool tho... Glad they liked my song. It's all love," wrote Harley.
The New Jersey-based rapper, who released "American Pharaoh" years ago, also said that a shoutout from Glover would be nice.
On Monday, the rapper also said that he is extremely pleased to be recognized as the artist who inspired Glover's song. However, Rothstein is adamant in denying that Glover took inspiration from Harley.
Will A Lawsuit Be Filed?
In related news, one publication discussed the ramifications of Glover potentially plagiarizing Harley's song. If this will be proven to be true and if Harley decides to file a lawsuit, he would also have to prove that his song was copied by his fellow rapper.
However, proving that "This Is America" is a rip off of "American Pharaoh" would not come easy. Harley would have to prove that the melody, lyrics, rhythm, and chord progression of his song is exactly the same as Glover's track.
For his part, Glover would most likely argue by saying that "This Is America" was independently created without his knowledge of "American Pharaoh."
Donald Glover's Credentials
Glover, whose full name is Donald McKinley Glover, Jr. is an American actor, comedian, writer, director, record producer, singer, songwriter, rapper, and DJ. He first gained popularity after he had starred on 30 Rock alongside Tina Fey.
He has appeared in a slew of films, namely Magic Mike XXL, The Martian, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Mystery Team, and more.
Some of his songs are "Redbone." "Sober," "Bonfire," "Me And Your Mama," "Terrified," "Heartbeat," and more.
