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

The lawsuit, filed in Louisiana federal court, claims that Big Freedia's "Explode" copied "Release a Wiggle" twelve times, specifically the phrase "release yo' wiggle" and other similar elements. Beyoncé's "Break My Soul," which samples "Explode," subsequently incorporated these elements without permission.

Key details of the case:

• Da Showstoppaz recorded "Release a Wiggle" in July 2002 for a local mixtape
• The group registered the song's composition and recording with the Copyright Office in 2022-2023
• The lawsuit names multiple defendants, including Jay-Z, Sony Music, and Kobalt
• The plaintiffs allege a connection between Big Freedia and their former business associate

The legal action follows unsuccessful attempts to resolve the matter outside of court. This case joins recent music copyright disputes, including a settled Universal Music lawsuit over a Kanye West sample and a Daddy Yankee infringement suit regarding "Bailar Contigo."

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