R&B Star Chris Brown Settles Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit Over 'Monalisa' and 'Sensational' Credits
R&B sensation Chris Brown has reached a 'settlement in principle' with lyricist Steve Chokpelle, who accused the star of denying credit and millions in revenue for hit songs 'Sensational' and 'Monalisa.' The agreement resolves claims against...
R&B superstar Chris Brown has reached a 'settlement in principle' in a high-stakes legal battle, resolving claims brought by lyricist Steve Chokpelle.
The agreement, confirmed in a new court filing, effectively removes Brown and Universal Music Group from Chokpelle's multi-million dollar royalties lawsuit. The specifics of the settlement remain undisclosed.
Chokpelle's complaint, filed in February, alleged that in 2020, Brown enlisted his lyrical talents for a track initially titled 'Monalisa' at his Los Angeles home. This collaboration reportedly occurred in the presence of fellow musician Sean Kingston.
The 'Monalisa' remix, featuring Nigerian artists Lojay and Sarz with Brown, later soared to Number Eight on Billboard's U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.
The lyricist further claimed he penned 'Sensational,' a follow-up track. After hearing a demo, Brown allegedly recorded his own version, which eventually landed on his 2023 album, 11:11.
This version of 'Sensational,' featuring Lojay and listing Kingston and Lojay as co-authors, became a massive hit. It climbed to Number One on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and peaked at 71 on the Hot 100.
The lawsuit asserted that 'Sensational' alone generated over $1 million in revenue, with Chokpelle receiving no credit or compensation.
Chokpelle sought a court order declaring him a copyright owner and author of both songs, alongside damages from Brown, Kingston, and Universal Music, among others.
He argued that the defendants were 'unjustly enriched' by earning millions from the commercial exploitation of 'Monalisa' and 'Sensational' while he was deprived of his 'properly entitled compensation.'
Brown's legal team had filed a motion to dismiss in March, citing that 'Monalisa' was distributed by third parties and that the three-year statute of limitations for copyright ownership claims had expired.
However, the judge had not ruled on this motion before the settlement notice was filed.
While Brown is now out of the legal fray, Chokpelle continues to pursue his claims against Sean Kingston. Kingston has yet to respond to the complaint and is currently serving a 42-month prison sentence for wire fraud, unrelated to this case.
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