Chlöe Bailey, the rising star of the music industry, is currently embroiled in a legal battle with songwriter and producer Melvin Moore, professionally known as "OneInThe4Rest" or "4Rest." Moore has filed a lawsuit accusing Bailey and her record labels, Columbia Records and Parkwood Entertainment, of failing to compensate him for his contributions to her 2024 album, Trouble in Paradise. The lawsuit, which was filed on February 20 and reviewed by Variety, highlights Moore’s claims of deceptive business practices and his demand for fair payment for his work on three tracks from the album: "Favorite," "Same Lingerie," and "Might as Well."
Moore, a Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer, has a notable track record in the music industry, having collaborated with major artists such as G-Eazy, French Montana, Usher, Ty Dolla Sign, Chris Brown, 2 Chainz, John Legend, Jason Derulo, BTS, Kanye West, Trey Songz, and Drake. His contributions to Bailey’s album, as outlined in the lawsuit, were deeply personal, drawing from his own life experiences, relationships, and emotional struggles. The complaint alleges that Bailey and her labels exploited Moore’s work without obtaining proper permission or engaging in good-faith negotiations prior to the album’s release. Moore claims he was not only denied proper writing credits but also left unpaid for his significant contributions to the project.
The lawsuit further details how Bailey and her team promoted the songs without crediting Moore, effectively profiting from his work without his consent. Moore’s legal team has also issued a cease and desist letter, demanding that Bailey and the labels halt any further unauthorized use of his work. The letter specifies that Moore will not grant any rights to the songs or issue a first-use mechanical license until a fair agreement is reached. Moore is seeking $10,000 in payment and is proposing negotiations that include a 2% royalty allocation per master and an additional publishing allocation. His team is also requesting that the songs be removed from all digital platforms, websites, blogs, and social media until the matter is resolved.
The civil lawsuit is seeking both actual and statutory damages, with penalties of up to $150,000 per willful infringement and an additional $5 million in punitive damages per song. This high-stakes legal action underscores the seriousness of Moore’s claims and the potential consequences for Bailey and her labels if found liable. Representatives for Bailey and Columbia Records have yet to respond to Variety‘s request for comment, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty.
This case brings to light broader issues in the music industry regarding fair compensation and proper attribution for songwriters and producers. Many creators struggle to receive the recognition and payment they deserve, even when their contributions are integral to the success of a project. Moore’s lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by behind-the-scenes talents and the importance of fair business practices in the entertainment industry.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for both Bailey’s career and the broader music industry. If Moore’s allegations are proven, it could damage Bailey’s reputation and lead to financial repercussions for her and her labels. Conversely, if the court rules in favor of Bailey and her team, it could set a precedent that might discourage other songwriters and producers from pursuing similar legal actions. Regardless of the outcome, this case highlights the need for transparency, fairness, and accountability in the often-complex process of creating and releasing music.
