Little-Known Artist Says Nicki Minaj Stole His Song

Published September 11, 2013 at 11:45 AM CDT

Pop star Nicki Minaj’s song “Starships” was a huge hit in dance clubs last summer.

A relatively unknown artist named Clive Tanaka says “Starships” is an imitation of his song, “Neu Chicago,” which he released online a year earlier.

Tanaka’s music has gained praise in the electronic music scene, but he’s a bit of a recluse and has never performed live.

Yesterday he filed a copyright infringement suit in U.S. District Court in Chicago against Minaj and several of her collaborators.

The Chicago Tribune broke the story, but was unable to get a comment from Minaj or her representatives.

Clive Tanaka's Neu Chicago

Nicki Minaj's Starships (Note: video is risqué)

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