Thomas Marasciullo claims his voice was used without his permission on Like Father, Like Son tunes such as “Respect” as well as tracks from Birdman’s 2007 album, 5 Star Stunna, according to BBC News.
Marasciullo said Lil’ Wayne and Birdman asked him to record some “Italian-styled spoken word recordings” back in 2006. He wasn’t aware the recordings were actually used on the albums until his daughter stumbled across the song “Respect” when trying to download a ringtone.
In addition to Weezy, Marasciullo is also suing Birdman and Cash Money Records as well as various music distribution outlets for unspecified damages.
Lil’ Wayne pleaded guilty to attempted weapon possession Oct. 22 after previously pleading not guilty. The Grammy award-winning rapper may be sentenced to a year in jail.
Back in July 2007 police stopped Lil’ Wayne’s tour bus after a performance at NYC’s Beacon Theatre. According to police reports, as police approached the bus, the rapper tossed a Louis Vuitton bag containing a gun out of the vehicle. Prosecutors claimed the gun was linked to the rapper because of small amounts of DNA found on the weapon.
Lil’ Wayne is also set to head to court in Arizona to face felony drug possession and weapons charges stemming from a January 2008 arrest at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint.
The rapper most recently performed a three-night residency at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo Oct. 7-8 and 10.
Last Saturday Lil’ Wayne officially released his No Ceilings mixtape. Fans can download the tunes for free on the Young Money Entertainment website.
Click here for the BBC News story.
Click here for theYoung Money Entertainment website.