'Tic Toc' controversy

Deejay Busy Signal is denying claims made by an upcoming artiste that sections of the song Tic Toc were taken from one of his songs.

Smokie Benz, whose real name is Lambert Hamilton, had told THE STAR in an interview that some of the content for the song were taken from the song Tick By Clock that he previously recorded.

When THE STAR spoke to Busy Signal following the accusation, he denied taking material from anyone’s song. The deejay denied any claims of piracy. “I don’t know who or what that is (in reference to Smokie Benz). All of my songs are completely original,” he told The STAR on Wednesday.

Tic Toc is featured on his sophomore album, Loaded, and the music video for the song, directed by Ras Kassa, has been gaining in popularity.

‘Tic toc’ repetition

However, Benz on Wednesday said that the concept, the signature ‘tic toc’ repetition and even lines or phrases from Busy’s version are copies of his song.

Smokie Benz said he wrote the song in January, but due to problems with the production he didn’t record it until the end of March.

After voicing the song he released it along with 23 other songs on a promotional CD that was distributed in dances and on the streets. He claims the song was getting rave reviews.

Benz told THE STAR, “Di song was out there. Mi burn like 50 CDs and it bad and ketching. People did love it. In September now mi a get call from all ova, from Europe and seh dem hear it and a ask how mi sell di song, so mi start check it up and realise seh is my song and everybody know dat.”

Smokie Benz, who says he has been in music professionally for the last eight years, claims this is not the first time a song was stolen from him.

But Smokie Benz says he is not letting the copying of his Tick By Clock go without a fight. He explained that he has already spoken to his lawyers who will be pursuing the matter.

Source: JamaicaStar