Judge Dismisses Copyright Lawsuit Over Cardi B...
‘I Apply Pressure’: Judge Dismisses Copyright Lawsuit Over Cardi B’s Hit ‘Enough (Miami)’
BROWNSVILLE, TX — Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B has secured a major legal victory after a federal judge dismissed a copyright infringement lawsuit targeting her 2024 hit single, “Enough (Miami).” The ruling, handed down on Monday 30th March effectively ends a nearly two-year legal battle that threatened the commercial standing of the rapper’s first solo top-ten hit since 2021.
Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. of the Southern District of Texas threw out the claims filed by musical duo Kemikal956, comprised of Joshua Fraustro and Miguel Aguilar, citing a lack of personal jurisdiction and "fatal deficiencies" in the plaintiffs' arguments.
The “Greasy Frybread” Conflict
The lawsuit, originally filed in July 2024 and amended several times, alleged that “Enough (Miami)” unlawfully copied the melody, bassline, and "secret sauce" of the duo’s 2021 track, “Greasy Frybread.” The original song gained notoriety after being featured in the FX series Reservation Dogs, and the plaintiffs sought an injunction to remove Cardi’s track from streaming platforms and her sophomore album, Am I The Drama?.
However, Cardi’s legal team, alongside representatives for Atlantic Records and producers OG Parker and DJ SwanQo, maintained that the song was a completely original creation.
A “Non-Starter” Without Registration
A pivotal turning point in the case occurred when it was revealed that the plaintiffs had failed to register “Greasy Frybread” with the U.S. Copyright Office prior to filing the federal suit. While copyright exists the moment a work is created, federal law requires formal registration before an infringement lawsuit can be initiated.
[Table: Key Rulings in the Dismissal]
| Legal Factor | Judge’s Finding | Impact |
| Jurisdiction | Court lacked personal jurisdiction over the defendants. | Case dismissed in the Texas forum. |
| Copyright Registration | Plaintiffs lacked valid federal registration. | Statutory damages (up to $150k) ruled out. |
| Merit of Claim | Plaintiffs failed to state a valid claim for relief. | Case unlikely to succeed even if refiled. |
| Commercial Status | No injunction granted. | Song remains active on all platforms. |
“Even if personal jurisdiction existed,” Judge Rodriguez noted in his decision, “each of Plaintiff's causes of action would be subject to dismissal for failing to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.”
Cardi B Responds: “I’ma Clear My Name Every Time”
Known for her fierce defense of her brand, Cardi B took to social media shortly after the news broke to celebrate the win. The rapper has a history of successful litigation, most notably her 2022 victory in a $5 million tattoo-related copyright case and her massive defamation win against blogger Tasha K.
“I’ma clear my name every time,” the rapper posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Leave me tf alone if ya got a problem. The work is original, the hustle is original. Stop trying to get a check off my hard work.”
What’s Next for ‘Am I The Drama?’
The dismissal clears the final legal hurdle for the continued promotion of Cardi’s second studio album. While “Enough (Miami)” was originally excluded from some early digital pre-saves due to the pending litigation, it has now been officially restored as a lead single on the "Ultimate Edition" of the record.
Legal experts suggest that while the plaintiffs could technically attempt to refile the case in a different jurisdiction, such as New York or California, the judge’s commentary on the "fatal deficiencies" of the plagiarism claims makes a successful comeback highly improbable. For now, the "Bardi Gang" can breathe easy as their leader continues her 2026 chart dominance.
