how do i not know what i'm talking about? nobody disputes that it would have been better for them to have their paperwork in order. But there being no paperwork doesn't mean that they didn't write and produce on the record und that lauryn didn't steal their music. It just means that it is harder for them to prove what their contributions where. Which is why established artists and record labels try to take advantage of artists in a weaker position by telling them that the paperwork will be taken care off later, or having them sign things they didn't read or making verbal agreements and never putting them on paper. This is common practice in the music industry, which is why there have been a ton of lawsuits over stolen music and royalties. If lauryn didn't steal their music, why did she agree to a settlement back in 2001?
Have you watched lauryn hills unplugged? That is what a record sounds like, where she didn't receive writing input.
You don't know what you're talking about because you are assuming that:
1) the New Ark Group were taken advantage of in spite of admitting that it was harder to prove what their contributions were in the absence of paperwork. Artists don't get their proper credit distribution, publishing, and points without it. That is why she was sued.
2) You are calling her a theif even when the New Ark Group is saying the album was her brainchild, she collaborated with them in creating the music, and basically helped them build the songs
Now if you'd presented proof that she told them paperwork would be taken care of later or even verbally agreed to give them writing and production credit.
Settling out of court isn't an admission of her stealing music or even an admission of guilt. People settle out of court for numerous reasons:
1) They don't want to continue fighting
2) They realize that "ok maybe the party suing me deserves compensation" and in Lauryn's case, the New Ark Group deserved shared credits and not just the credits received as musicians, and lyrical contributions.
They never accused her of thievery or her taking advantage of them. In fact, after the settlement, they spoke to Lauryn. They wouldn't have even pursued legal action if they could've reached Lauryn without a suit, but calls weren't being returned and a suit was a last ditch attempt, which ended amicably after three years of fighting. This wasn't even just Lauryn they were fighting. It was Columbia/Ruff House and essentially the label is responsible for paperwork and registering everything with the publishing company.
Also, you're assuming that Lauryn took advantage of some naive children. James Poyser was a known producer in the industry at the time specifically having worked with Erykah Badu and D'angelo before working on Lauryn's album. He wasn't properly credited either, but didn't sue.
Che Pope also was not properly credited, but he asserts he had to clean up and redo some of the New Ark Group's work. He was asked by their lawyer to be a part of the suit, but declined. The New Ark Group even state that Lauryn gave Che their credits.
I have heard much of Unplugged and lyrically, it is far more advanced than Miseducation.
