Where Dey Do Dat At? Drake Says He Didn’t Promise ‘Marvin’s Room’ Girl Any Pay

March 19th, 2012 - By Brande Victorian

Source: Fashion Feen

Drake’s really taking this whole divo thing to a new level. It’s one thing to demand bomber jackets for a spring photo shoot, it’s another to expect someone to work for free when you’re buying out the bar and spending $45,000 a month in rent.

About a month ago, Ericka Lee, the woman who was on the voicemail recording in Drake’s song, “Marvin’s Room,” filed a lawsuit claiming Drake promised her co-writing credits and half of the profits from the song which, as you know, was a huge hit. Drake has now finally decided to respond to the suit with a sorry explanation: “she consented to the use of her voice in the song ‘Marvin’s Room’ for no compensation.”

While we obviously don’t know if that’s true or not, even if it is, where dey do dat at? Ericka may have been a little naive if she didn’t lock down a compensation agreement in writing, which I can see happening considering she claims she was more than just Drake’s business partner and that they had a romantic relationship as well. But how is Drake just going to take advantage of someone like that? No credit and no cash? He knows that type of business practice wouldn’t fly with any other artists, why not pay the girl a couple thousand dollars and be done with the whole thing?

In addition to denying he offered to pay Ericka initially, Drake also says he never promised “4-5%” of publishing monies plus a $50,000 payout to go away in November when Ericka first told him she hired a lawyer. He also denies any romantic involvement with her—surprise, surprise. Either way, Young Money needs to come up off the Cash Money. This is trifling.

What do you think about Drake thinking it’s OK to not pay Ericka for her work?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

More on Madame Noire!

Tags:

, , , ,
More from StyleBlazer
More from MommyNoire

Comment Disclaimer

Comments that contain profane or derogatory language, video links or exceed 200 words will require approval by a moderator before appearing in the comment section. XOXO-MN

  • Indigo

    Drake is making himself look like a douche. He has enough money to pay this girl what she wants, and call it a day. 

  • soverykayla

    im on the fence. half of me is like cmon Drake, do better. dont be a prick an pay the girl. the other half of me is saying Ericka, you should have known better and had something in writing. I can assume it being a tough decision because she probably didnt want to sound pressed and expected Drake follow through. its a shame… 

  • KlassyRN

    This article is pointless.. in a court of law.. not someone morals.. therw Is NO written contract.. so her claim is void.. forget what you think of him.. fact of ths matter is sex NEVER overules business.. and if she’s in the industry she already knew better.. sounds like a woman scorned.. the writer *snide remarks*.. and the sistah suing.. as a lawyers daughter.. I can put it on and take it off.. but I never get caught with my pants down..

  • Brittany

    Ke$ha didn’t get any credit for singing the chorus to “Right Round.” I say if she had a problem with it she should have dealt with it before the song was even released.

    • Sammilu1224

      Isnt Katy Perry the one singing the chorus on “Right Round”??

  • Mia

    Erika Lee and the girl who says “Maybach Music” for MMG are 2 stupid females. If I write a line or breath on a track I am gettting paid and I WILL GET IT IN WRITING! Verbal agreements mean nothing in this day and age. It all becomes “he said, she said” or in this case “she said, and what he didnt say”. My mother always taught any type of business transaction you do, GET IT IN WRITING!!!!

    • juscuz

      I hope you know how right you are lol Some people dont know you get production credit for breathing on a track slamming a door in a skit and all that jazz. But they gonna settle cause this lasting too long would be bad business for Young Money. We wont hear about it but they will.

  • MixedUpInVegas

    Triflin’ is one word to describe this action; disrespectful user is another way to say it.  If he was boffing her and using her voice on his recording and refuses to give her anything, it could hardly be called chivalrous.

    Maybe this is the way Drake sees women–as something to be used and tossed aside.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JAI4SRENU2A5WKRTELXXYJPDSI Kayla

    when things aren’t in writing, you can get away with anything. Unless she has written proof. And yes some scribbles written on a napkin can count as well. 

  • Merriegirl

    I could see her signing the agreement because its not like he couldn’t just get another girl who was willing to do it for free on the track. She’s not signing, anyone can talk well. 
    However, if she is part of the music industry I don’t see how or why she would sign her voice a away like that. This whole situation is shaky! 

Get the MadameNoire
Newsletter The best stories sent right to your inbox!
close [x]