Nicki Minaj has paid Tracy Chapman $450,000 in their multi-year copyright infringement lawsuit.

In 2018, Chapman sued Minaj for copyright infringement over her song “Sorry”, which borrowed from Chapman’s “Baby Can I Hold You”, off her 1988 self-titled album. While Minaj never officially released “Sorry”, it was aired on New York’s radio station Hot 97 by Funkmaster Flex. Minaj has maintained that she did not leak the song to Funkmaster Flex. Additionally, Minaj did reach out to Chapman for permission to release “Sorry” but Chapman denied the request.

Related: Tracy Chapman Talks “Bout A Revolution” On ‘Seth Meyers’ [Watch]

Fast forward to September 2020, when Judge Virginia A. Phillips wrote a summary judgement decision favorable to Minaj, claiming that preventing artists from experimenting in the studio “would limit creativity and stifle innovation within the music industry,” according to the New York Times. Phillips did allow the case to go to trial, however, Chapman accepted Minaj’s offer of judgment on December 30th. The $450,000 payment includes all court and attorney fees.

Said Chapman in a statement,

I am glad to have this matter resolved and grateful for this legal outcome which affirms that artists’ rights are protected by law and should be respected by other artists. I was asked in this situation numerous times for permission to use my song; in each instance, politely and in a timely manner, I unequivocally said no. Apparently Ms. Minaj chose not to hear and used my composition despite my clear and express intentions. As a songwriter and an independent publisher, I have been known to be protective of my work. I have never authorized the use of my songs for samples or requested a sample. This lawsuit was a last resort—pursued in an effort to defend myself and my work and to seek protection for the creative enterprise and expression of songwriters and independent publishers like myself.

Minaj’s lawyer, Peter W. Ross told the Times plainly, “We settled for one reason only. It would have cost us more to go to trial.”

Listen to the Nicki Minaj and Tracy Chapman songs below.

Tracy Chapman – “Baby Can I Hold You”

[Video: Tracy Chapman]

Nicki Minaj – “Sorry”

[Video: Barbie Minaj]

[H/T New York Times]