Beyoncé and Big Freedia are facing a copyright infringement lawsuit from New Orleans bounce group Da Showstoppaz over alleged unauthorized use of their 2002 song "Release a Wiggle" in two tracks: "Explode" and "Break My Soul."

Key Details of the Lawsuit:

• Da Showstoppaz recorded "Release a Wiggle" in 2002 for a local mixtape
• The group uploaded the original version to YouTube in 2014
• They claim Big Freedia's "Explode" infringes their song twelve times, specifically the phrase "release yo' wiggle"
• Beyoncé's "Break My Soul" later sampled "Explode," incorporating the disputed vocals

The lawsuit names multiple defendants including:

• Beyoncé
• Big Freedia
• Jay-Z
• Sony Music
• Kobalt

Da Showstoppaz registered their copyright for both the composition and recording in 2022-2023 after attempts to resolve the matter outside court failed. They assert that the similarities between the songs are beyond substantial and would be apparent to any reasonable listener.

Background on Da Showstoppaz:

• Formed in 2001
• Achieved local success with shows in 2003-2004
• Group disbanded after Hurricane Katrina
• Never formally registered their original song until recently

This case joins recent music copyright disputes, including a settled Universal Music lawsuit over a Kanye West sample and an ongoing Daddy Yankee case regarding "Bailar Contigo."

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