Producer J-Swift, a former member and producer of the group the Pharcyde, filed suit against Jive Records, Zomba Recording Corp., and Touchstone Pictures for their use of his original production on the #1 remix-single “Stutter” by R&B artist Joe. John Manuel Martinez, who works under the name J-Swift, was the producer of the Pharcyde’s #1 rap single “Passin’ Me By,” the song sampled in “Stutter.”
“People were coming up to me congratulating me, asking how much I was getting paid. I went into the store to see if I had been credited, and saw everyone’s name listed but mine,” says a displeased J-Swift. He soon discovered that the remix using his creation was available for sale.
In 1993, J-Swift wrote, produced, and arranged “Passin’ Me By,” which was featured on the Pharcyde’s debut album “BizarreRide II The Pharcyde.” “They used my actual music. They even stole the lyrics and melody that I wrote. ‘My dear, my dear, my dear, you do not know me…,”‘ explains Swift.
No one made any attempt to contact J-Swift to obtain his permission to use the song. Fully aware of the song’s sample, Jive Records did credit the Pharcyde. “I own more of that song than anybody,” he begins. “Someone is always trying to sue rap producers because we sample older records, and now it’s ironic that they’re sampling a hip-hop record and not clearing it.”
The “Stutter” remix, which features rapper Mystikal, is also featured on the “Double Take” soundtrack. The single spent 5 weeks in the #1 spot on the Billboard singles chart and is a single from Joe’s multi-platinum album entitled, “My Name is Joe.” J-Swift is suing Jive Records (Joe’s record label), Zomba Recording Corp., and Touchstone Pictures for a total of over $11,000,000.