Drake Sued, Ex Girlfriend Says She Helped Write 'Marvin's Room'
2 photos(PHOTO:REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)Drake accepts the award for Songwriter of the Year during the 11th Annual BMI Urban Awards at the Pantages theatre in Los Angeles August 26, 2011.Recording artist and actor Drake is currently being sued by an ex-girlfriend who claims that she made a large contribution to one of his latest songs without receiving due compensation.
Drake, his full name being Aubrey Drake Graham, was previously known as an actor in the television series "Degrassi: The Next Generation." He developed his acting career into one as a recording artist, and his song "Thank Me Later" debuted at number one on Billboard charts in 2010.
Drake has worked with other artists like Kanye West, Eminem, and Jay-Z and has also written music for artists like Alicia Keys.
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"Marvin's Room" was released by Drake in 2011 on his blog, October's Very Own. Now however, Erika Lee, Drake's former girlfriend has come forward with a lawsuit charging that she had a business arrangement with Drake that has not been upheld.
The lawsuit, which was filed Thursday, stated that the two had both a working and romantic relationship trading both poems and song lyrics and working on joint creative projects. According to Lee, Drake agreed to split half the proceeds from "Marvin's Room."
As evidence, Lee has text messages from Drake that state her large contribution in addition to her voice, which is part of the song's hook. One text read, "U basically made that song."
Lee has been given credit as a vocalist under the name "Syren Lyric Muse" however has not received any profit. Lee also argues that the couple had even registered the sound recording at the U.S. Copyright Office.
According to the Hollywood Reporter after the incident, Drake allegedly offered Lee two percent of the publishing royalties. Lee, dissatisfied with this offer then proceeded to obtain legal advice, at which point she was offered "four to five percent of publishing monies plus a $50,000 payout to go away."
Drake's reps have released a statement claiming that Lee only asked to be given credit under the name "Syren Lyric Muse" and never asked for financial compensation. The comment continued to state that Drake would be happy to now take the matter to court. "Drake tried for months to resolve the matter amicably, and he now looks forward to being vindicated in court."
