Ludacris took to the witness stand yesterday in the previously reported court case over allegations that the rapper stole lyrics and beats from a 2001 track from New Jersey outfit IOF for his 2003 hit 'Stand Up'. IOF say the song, with its regular use of the line "just like that", was a rip-off of their song which used the line "straight like that".
Crucial to IOF's case is the claim that, while their track had only an underground release, they know that Ludacris had access to the song. He, however, denies that fact. When asked by IOF's lawyer Mel Sachs whether he was aware of the expression "straight like that" prior to writing 'Stand Up', Ludacris replied: "No sir. I never heard anyone use the term. I do not know what the term 'straight like that' means, sir."
He was then asked if he was denying claims by IOF that he had received copies of their song at three shows in 2002 and 2003. Ludacris: "I'm definitely saying that, sir."
The case continues. Ludacris' lawyers are trying to prove that the lyrics and beats used in the two songs are two generic to claim that one stole from the other.