copyright issues

So as I'm procrastinating again and going on one of my favorite websites to distract me, Perez Hilton, I found another article about the Black Eyed Peas getting sued over copyright issues. This has to be easily the 4th or 5th time I've seen an article in reference to them being sued for illegally taking one artist's music and calling it their own. Many of these artists can't even afford effective legal teams in order to rightfully claim money owed to them, and I find it really distasteful that such a seemingly successful group can't seem to come up with their own ideas. I can understand that many songs and beats sound similar since there's only so many instruments in the world, but this is not the first time they have been sued. Personally, I am not a big Black Eyed Peas fan, and therefore am even less inclined to believe their side of the story; of course it being that they didn't steal the music or beat. How many times does someone have to accuse you of copyright infringement before you realize if you can't make your own songs, DON'T PUT OUT AN ALBUM STEALING SOMEONE ELSES. I think it really is so disgusting if they really did steal it, don't they have enough "hits" and money that they can just pay someone else to come up with some fresh ideas if they're so tapped out? There are so many struggling artists out there, and big name groups or artists stealing music from them is shameful. According to the article:

"George Clinton, a legend in funk music, is suing The Black Eyed Peas for allegedly sampling one of his songs on their track, Shut Up.

The song was first featured on their 2003 album, Elephunk, but has spawn several remixes since then, including one that appeared on the deluxe edition of The E.N.D. album. According to Clinton's lawsuit, the group used elements of George's song (Not Just) Knee Deep on this remix.

As he insists that he never granted the group permission to use the song, he's suing will.i.am and Fergie, along with Universal Music Group for copyright infringement damages and an injunction to block further sales of the remixes."

Furthermore, according to ABC News:

"Clinton claims producers tried to license "(Not Just) Knee Deep" in 2009, but he refused. He claims his signature was forged on a release form later provided to his attorneys and that he has never been paid royalties on the remixes."

I'm putting both of the songs in this blog so people can compare for themselves if they think the songs sound similar. Here you go:

The Black Eyed Peas song

George Clinton's song