Eminem vs. Vivek: Cease-and-desist letter adds to history of musician-politician battles
By Brock Koller (Senior Producer), Karah Rucker (Anchor), Ian Kennedy (Editor)
Media Landscape
This story is a Media Miss by the right as only 23% of the coverage is from right leaning media. Learn more about this dataBias Distribution
Left
Eminem Demands Vivek Ramaswamy Stop Rapping ‘Lose Yourself’ On Campaign Trail
Click to see story on HuffPostEminem hits Ramaswamy with cease-and-desist letter: report
Click to see story on Raw StoryVivek Ramaswamy ‘cut loose’ to Eminem’s song on a campaign stop — the rapper asked him not to do it again
Click to see story on AlternetEminem Wants Vivek Ramaswamy to Stop Butchering His Songs
Click to see story on New York MagazineEminem Has Had Enough, Sends Cease and Desist to Vivek Ramaswamy
Click to see story on The New RepublicEminem bars Ramaswamy from using his music at rallies – National Zero
Click to see story on National ZeroEminem demands Vivek Ramaswamy cease using his music on campaign trail
Click to see story on The GuardianEminem asks Vivek Ramaswamy to not use his music in U.S. presidential campaign
Click to see story on The HinduEminem tells Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop rapping his music on the campaign trail
Click to see story on The IndependentMeet The Rapper In Republican Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy
Click to see story on NDTVEminem tells GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music on the campaign trail
Click to see story on USA TodayEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on CNNEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to not use his songs on campaign trail
Click to see story on The Washington PostEminem sends cease-and-desist letter telling Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using ‘Lose Yourself’ in campaign
Click to see story on NY Daily NewsEminem sends Vivek Ramaswamy a warning: Don’t use ‘Lose Yourself’ on the campaign trail
Click to see story on Los Angeles TimesEminem Sends Vivek Ramaswamy Cease-and-Desist for Performing ‘Lose Yourself’ on Campaign Trail
Click to see story on VarietyEminem Warns Vivek Ramaswamy Not To Perform Or Use His Music Anymore
Click to see story on DeadlineEminem to Ramaswamy: Stop using my music for your campaign
Click to see story on The Mercury newsEminem tells Republican Ramaswamy to stop using his music in campaign
Click to see story on Al JazeeraEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc 6 PhiladelphiaEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc 13 HoustonEminem takes legal action against Vivek Ramaswamy over rapping his music at campaign events
Click to see story on NBC NewsEminem sends cease-and-desist letter telling Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using ‘Lose Yourself’ in campaign
Click to see story on Star TribuneEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc 7 NewsEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc11 RaleighEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc30 NewsRapper Eminem tells Ramaswamy to drop the mic, quit playing songs
Click to see story on Japan TodayEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on Koco News5Eminem Wants to Stop Vivek Ramaswamy From Playing His Music On Campaign Trail
Click to see story on TMZEminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on RapplerEminem to presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy: Stop using ‘Lose Yourself’
Click to see story on Detroit Free PressRepublican primaries: rapper Eminen asks candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music
Click to see story on Le MondeEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports
Click to see story on WSVNEminem asks an American candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on TVA NouvellesUnited States: Eminem asks Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on LiberationEminem bans Republican Vivek Ramaswamy from his music during election campaign
Click to see story on SpiegelVivek Ramaswamy Hit With Cease and Desist From Eminem
Click to see story on MediaiteEminem asks Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music on campaign trail
Click to see story on The JournalEminem Sends Cease and Desist to Republican Vivek Ramaswamy Over “Lose Yourself”
Click to see story on PitchforkEminem asks presidential candidate to stop using his music in campaign
Click to see story on Scripps NewsEminem tells Republican Vivek Ramaswamy to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on BBC News2024 Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy trying to duck legal battle over his biotech empire
Click to see story on Hindustan TimesEminem tells GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy to stop rapping his music
Click to see story on CNBCEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KRDOEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KIFIRapper Eminem asks Ramaswamy to not use his music in campaign
Click to see story on South China Morning PostEminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on Channel News AsiaEminem wants Ramaswamy to stop using his music on the campaign trail
Click to see story on The HillEminem asks Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy to stop using his music during campaign trail
Click to see story on WIONEminem sends Vivek Ramaswamy cease and desist letter telling him to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on Sky News UKVivek Ramaswamy’s ‘Shady’ Use Of Eminem’s Rap Draws Rebuke — From Marshall Mathers Himself
Click to see story on BenzingaRapper Eminem tells Ramaswamy to drop the mic, quit playing songs
Click to see story on The Guardian NigeriaEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc 7 ChicagoEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KCRA 3Eminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc 7 LAEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc 7 NYEminem stops Republican Ramaswamy from playing his music
Click to see story on Deutsche WelleEminem makes sure Ramaswamy can no longer rap his songs on campaign trail
Click to see story on MarcaEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WCVBRapper Eminem asks US Presidential Election candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on The PrintEminem Sends Ramaswamy a Cease and Desist Letter
Click to see story on Political WireEminem tells GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop rapping his music at campaign events
Click to see story on WLWTEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WMUREminem tells presidential candidate from Ohio, Vivek Ramaswamy, to stop using his song
Click to see story on The Columbus DispatchEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WLKYEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WESHEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WDSUEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KETVEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WTAEEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WYFFEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KCCIEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KMBCEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WBAL-TVEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WISNEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WPTZEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WMTWEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WVTMEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WAPTEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KWWLEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KOATEminem tells former ‘libertarian freestyler’ Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his songs at campaign stops
Click to see story on FortuneEminem tells GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to quit using his music, media reports say
Click to see story on Des Moines RegisterEminem summons Republican Vivek Ramaswamy to stop raping his songs
Click to see story on Digi 24Eminem sends cease-and-desist letter telling Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using ‘Lose Yourself’ in campaign
Click to see story on The ColumbianEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WPBFEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WGALEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WXIIEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to not use his songs on campaign trail
Click to see story on SentinelSource.comUSA: Eminem asks candidate Ramaswamy to stop using his songs
Click to see story on i24NEWSEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KSBWEminem sends cease-and-desist letter telling Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using ‘Lose Yourself’ in campaign
Click to see story on Hartford CourantEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KHBSVivek Ramaswamy’s radical ideas capture the attention of Newton voters
Click to see story on newtondailynews.comRapper Eminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to drop the mic, quit playing songs
Click to see story on Times of IndiaRapper Eminem Formally Tells Vivek Ramaswamy to Stop Using His Music for Campaign Purposes
Click to see story on News18 IndiaEminem slaps Vivek Ramaswamy with cease-and-desist after viral ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on Washington TimesEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on The TelegraphRapper Eminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in US presidential campaign
Click to see story on Malay MailRapper Eminem tells Ramaswamy to drop the mic, quit playing songs
Click to see story on Bangkok PostEminem wants republican presidential candidate to stop rapping his songs at election meetings
Click to see story on Het Laatste NieuwsEminem bans Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy from rapping his song
Click to see story on Frankfurter AllgemeineEminem wants Ramaswamy to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on justthenews.comEminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on UnionLeader.comEminem asks Republican candidate to stop using his music
Click to see story on berlingske.dkSHILL SHADY: A triggered Eminem demands Vivek Ramaswamy stop performing his music
Click to see story on The Post MillennialEminem sends Vivek Ramaswamy cease and desist to stop performing ‘Lose Yourself’ while campaigning
Click to see story on Washington ExaminerREPORT: Eminem Demands Vivek Ramaswamy Stop Rapping His Songs At Campaign Events
Click to see story on The Daily CallerEminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on OANRapper Eminem slammed after demanding Vivek Ramaswamy stop using his songs on campaign trail
Click to see story on The BlazeEminem Sends Vivek Ramaswamy a Hilarious Cease and Desist Letter
Click to see story on RedStateGOP Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Rides Debate Momentum to Second Place in New Poll – The Ohio Star
Click to see story on The Ohio StarRapper Eminem tells Ramaswamy to drop the mic, quit playing songs
Click to see story on The Daily TelegraphEminem sends cease and desist to Vivek to stop rapping his song “Lose Yourself” at campaign rallies. It’s the same song Biden used in his 2020 campaign.
Click to see story on notthebee.comGOP Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Rides Debate Momentum to Second Place in New Poll – Tennessee Star
Click to see story on Tennessee StarVivek Ramaswamy told to stop rapping Eminem songs at campaign events
Click to see story on gbnews.comGOP Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Rides Debate Momentum to Second Place in New Poll – The Michigan Star
Click to see story on themichiganstar.comGOP Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Rides Debate Momentum to Second Place in New Poll – The Florida Capital Star
Click to see story on floridacapitalstar.comEminem reportedly sent Vivek Ramaswamy campaign a cease and desist letter demanding he stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on Fox NewsEminem Tells Vivek Ramaswamy to Stop Rapping His Songs
Click to see story on BreitbartUntracked Bias
Eminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on FijiTimesEminem tells Republican candidate to drop his mic
Click to see story on IltalehtiUnited States: Eminem asks a Republican primary candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on Le ParisienEminem asks Republican candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on Het Belang van LimburgRepublican Ramaswamy is no longer allowed to rap Eminem song
Click to see story on ORF.at NewsEminem sends cease and desist to US presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy
Click to see story on Music NewsEminem asks Republican candidate to stop using his music
Click to see story on Ekstra BladetEminem doesn’t want Trump’s Republican challenger rapping his songs
Click to see story on telex.huEminem asks a Republican to stop rapping on “Lose Yourself”
Click to see story on 20 MinutesEminem bans Republican presidential candidate from rapping his song
Click to see story on focus.deEminem to Republican Presidential Candidate: Don’t Use My Music
Click to see story on VGEminem asks an American candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on Le Journal de QuebecEminem doesn’t want Republican to use his songs in presidential campaign
Click to see story on RzeczpospolitaEminem asked the Republican candidate for president of the United States Vivek Ramaswamy not to sing his songs during the election campaign
Click to see story on Il PostEminem’s measure came full — sent a firm request to the Republican presidential candidate
Click to see story on Ilta-SanomatEminem asks Republican candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on De MorgenEminem Tells Vivek Ramaswamy To ‘stop Rapping His Songs’
Click to see story on GlamshamEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WJCLEminem Tells Republican Vivek Ramaswamy To Stop Rapping His Songs
Click to see story on India WestEminem bothers that Republican Ramaswamy is using his music in campaign
Click to see story on Česká televizeEminem bans Ramaswamy from rapping his song
Click to see story on Salzburger NachrichtenEminem sends cease and desist to US presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy
Click to see story on CelebretainmentEminem bans Ramaswamy from rapping his song
Click to see story on Tiroler Tageszeitung OnlineEminem no longer wants Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to use his songs
Click to see story on www.cnews.frEminem sends cease and desist to Vivek Ramaswamy after cringeworthy “Lose Yourself” performance
Click to see story on ConsequencePeople. Eminem asks an American candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on estrepublicain.frPeople. Eminem asks an American candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on dna.frEminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on philenews.comEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on mor-tv.comThe chorus from Eminem’s Oscar-winning song “Lose Yourself” sounds like this – Lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it. The “you own it” line is quite topical this week. See, the thing is – if you’re a politician using a musician’s work at a campaign event, and if you don’t own it, that could cause confusion and possible legal ramifications.
The battle between musical artists and political leaders has been going on for decades. It’s a clash between lyricist and lawmaker — performer and pundit — rapper and representative — which brings regulations on copyright, trademark and image use to the forefront. Republican presidential candidate and political newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy is the latest to join the list of politicians to get a less-than-cordial response from the artist behind the music featured at their campaign events.
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Ramaswamy is no stranger to singing himself — actually, rapping.
During his college years at Harvard University, he rapped under the stage name “Da Vek.” But, as he told The New York Times, he identifies with one rapper in particular — Eminem.
“I did not grow up in the circumstances he did,” Ramaswamy told the Times. “But the idea of being an underdog, people having low expectations of you, that part speaks to me.”
That was evident during an appearance at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 12 when Ramaswamy took the microphone and began singing the lyrics Marshall Mathers made famous in the 2002 film “8 Mile.”
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds had asked him moments earlier what his favorite walkout song would be. Ramaswamy replied, “Lose Yourself.” After their chat ended, the song was played over the loudspeakers and the business mogul proceeded to put on an impromptu karaoke performance.
This was not a shock to anyone who knew of Ramaswamy’s history with the song. As Politico reports, during his time at Harvard, he would rap at open-mic nights, sometimes changing the lyrics to libertarian themes. He performed the rap during a vacation in Canada and at a holiday party for Strive, the asset management firm he founded.
“In Eminem, he found an insurgent-like figure, the kind of persona Ramaswamy aspired to and still seems to draw at least some inspiration from,” Politico reported.
The presidential hopeful even rapped a few lines of the song during his interview.
But it was the state fair performance that caught the attention of Eminem himself, and the 15-time Grammy Award winner was not amused. He sent Ramaswamy a cease-and-desist letter through the performing rights organization BMI.
The letter, which was first obtained by the Daily Mail, was dated Aug. 23, 11 days after the performance. It read, in part, that BMI “has received a communication from Marshall B. Mathers, III, professionally known as Eminem, objecting to the Vivek Ramaswamy campaign’s use of Eminem’s musical compositions…BMI will consider any performance of the Eminem Works by the Vivek 2024 campaign from this date forward to be a material breach of the Agreement for which BMI reserves all rights and remedies with respect thereto.”
“Will The REAL Slim Shady Please Stand Up? He didn’t just say what I think he did, did he,” Ramaswamy posted on X, referring to lyrics in Eminem’s 2000 song “The Real Slim Shady.”
A spokesperson for Ramaswamy’s campaign issued a statement saying, “To the American people’s chagrin, we will have to leave the rapping to the real Slim Shady.”
History of Politician vs. Musician Battles
Ramaswamy does not have to look too far to find other politicians who have suffered a similar fate when choosing a catchy tune for their events – though, most of the time, they were not performing it as he did.
In 1984, Ronald Reagan had planned to use Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” as the theme for his reelection campaign. When an adviser for the president asked if they could use the song, the New Jersey singer said no.
That didn’t stop Reagan from referencing the rocker during a stump speech in the Garden State, saying “America’s future rests in the message of hope in the songs of a man so many young Americans admire — New Jersey’s own, Bruce Springsteen.”
Springsteen went on to criticize if Reagan even had listened to his music.
In 1989, Bobby McFerrin asked George H.W. Bush’s team to stop playing his song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” as the vice president vied for the highest office. The Bush campaign stopped using it and switched to Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land.”
Former President Donald Trump has received backlash from a few musicians whose work was used at his political events. In 2015, as Trump announced his run for the presidency, Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” blared through Trump Tower.
Young’s representatives released a statement saying Trump was “not authorized” to use his song.
The future president’s team said that he did have permission through a licensing agreement with the performance rights organization ASCAP. Trump, however, stopped using the song, as his campaign manager at the time said they would respect Young’s wishes because “it’s the right thing to do.”
In 2020, The Rolling Stones enlisted BMI to keep its track “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” from playing at Trump rallies as he sought reelection.
“BMI (has) notified the Trump campaign on behalf of the Stones that the unauthorized use of their songs will constitute a breach of its licensing agreement. If Donald Trump disregards the exclusion and persists, then he would face a lawsuit for breaking the embargo and playing music that has not been licensed,” a statement from The Stones’ representatives said.
And while reports over the years show it’s been Republican politicians getting the majority of pushback from artists, Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, have also felt a musician’s ire.
In 2008, Sam Moore of the R&B duo Sam & Dave requested Obama to stop playing “Hold On, I’m Coming” at his rallies, saying that it may look like he was endorsing the presidential candidate at the time.
“I have not agreed to endorse you for the highest office in our land…My vote is a very private matter between myself and the ballot box,” Moore said.
The Obama campaign agreed to stop using the song, but the following year Moore performed at the president’s inaugural ball.
Legalities of politicians using artist’s music
There are rules and regulations when it comes to a musician’s work being played at events, it’s just that these rules and regulations can sometimes be misinterpreted, misunderstood, ignored or applied differently depending on the circumstances.
Leslie A. Farber is a New Jersey attorney whose areas of practice include business matters. Though she was not affiliated with any of these particular instances, she has written on the subject of whether politicians have the legal right to play any songs at their events. Her conclusion: “The answer is not clear cut.”
“Artists rarely have full control over where and when their music can be played. The writer (or writers) of a song automatically receives copyright for their original creation, and U.S. copyright statutes prohibit the dissemination of copyrighted work online without permission,” she wrote.
Copyright comes into play, for example, if a politician uses an artist’s song without permission in a social media video.
Farber said no permission is needed for a song to be played at a public venue like a stadium that has a public performance license, which is granted through organizations like BMI and ASCAP.
However, she pointed out, “ASCAP recommends that political campaigns seek permission from the musicians or songwriters, as these licenses exclude music played during conventions or campaign events.”
Jodie Thomas, BMI’s executive director of corporate communications, told Variety in 2020 that the Political Entities License was created to cover music used by political campaigns.
“Since many political events and rallies are often held at places that don’t typically require a music license, such as airport hangars or community fields, a Political Entities License ensures that wherever the campaign stops, it is in compliance with copyright law,” Thomas said. “A venue license was never intended to cover political campaigns. So if a campaign attempts to rely on a venue license to cover its music use, there’s risk involved.”
Thomas said political campaigns “cannot and should not try to circumvent BMI’s withdrawal of musical works under its Political Entities License by attempting to rely on another license.”
Farber said “savvy campaign managers” purchase the rights to play the music at political events through licensing agreements.
“If an artist’s song is part of the licensing agreement and is played at a campaign event, they have traditionally had little legal recourse outside of sending a cease-and-desist letter,” Farber said.
This is approach is seen in Eminem’s cease-and-desist letter to the Ramaswamy campaign.
BMI says the letter served as notice that Eminem’s songs are excluded from the Music License for Political Entities or Organizations between its organization and the Vivek 2024 team effective immediately. According to the letter, the licensing agreement between the two parties was entered on May 24, almost three months before the “Lose Yourself” viral moment.
According to Farber, other avenues artists can take to keep politicians’ hands off their songs are objecting on the basis of their Right of Publicity, “a legal argument that covers how their image is portrayed,” and the Lanham Act, which covers trademark infringement.
Farber said infringement can occur if the use of the song could confuse the audience into thinking the musician is endorsing the candidate, which is an argument many artists have used to stop their music from being played.
In July 2020, Gospel singer and songwriter Yolanda Adams testified before the Senate’s subcommittee on intellectual property about musicians’ work being used by political campaigns.
The four-time Grammy winner said, “I am not a copyright attorney. But after decades of watching debates about music in campaigns, I can offer a songwriter’s advice in lieu of legal advice. Musicians run the spectrum of political views. If candidates want to use music in their campaigns, work with us – the artists and songwriters – to find the right match. I am often asked for the use of my music for all kinds of uses: services, weddings, alas, even funerals. And I almost always give my permission.
“But the operative word is permission. Legal battles and cease and desist letters will never be as effective as good old-fashioned cooperation.”
THE BATTLE BETWEEN POLITICIANS AND THE ARTISTS WHOSE MUSIC THEY USE AT THEIR RALLIES HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR DECADES.
AND NOW THE LATEST CLASH INVOLVES GRAMMY-WINNING RAPPER EMINEM AND REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL VIVEK RAMASWAMY.
EMINEM RECENTLY SENT RAMASWAMY’S CAMPAIGN TEAM A CEASE-AND-DESIST LETTER AFTER THE TECH ENTREPRENEUR WAS CAPTURED IN A VIRAL VIDEO PERFORMING THE RAPPER’S 2002 HIT SONG “LOSE YOURSELF” AT THE IOWA STATE FAIR ON AUGUST 12TH.
THE LETTER – SENT BY PERFORMING RIGHTS ORGANIZATION BMI AND FIRST OBTAINED BY THE DAILY MAIL – READS IN PART, “BMI HAS RECEIVED A COMMUNICATION FROM MARSHALL B. MATHERS the third, PROFESSIONALLY KNOWN AS EMINEM, OBJECTING TO THE VIVEK RAMASWAMY CAMPAIGN’S USE OF EMINEM’S MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS”
“BMI WILL CONSIDER ANY PERFORMANCE OF THE EMINEM WORKS BY THE VIVEK 2024 CAMPAIGN FROM THIS DATE FORWARD TO BE A MATERIAL BREACH OF THE AGREEMENT FOR WHICH BMI RESERVES ALL RIGHTS AND REMEDIES WITH RESPECT THERETO.”
RAMASWAMY REPLIED WITH A POST ON X – SAYING – “WILL THE REAL SLIM SHADY PLEASE STAND UP?
HE DIDN’T JUST SAY WHAT I THINK HE DID, DID HE?” A REFERENCE TO EMINEM’S SONG “THE REAL SLIM SHADY.”
RAMASWAMY JOINS A LIST OF POLITICIANS WHO HAVE FELT A MUSICIAN’S IRE.
IN 1984 – PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN WAS HOPING TO USE BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN’S “BORN IN THE U.S.A.” AS THE THEME FOR HIS REELECTION CAMPAIGN.
BUT WHEN AN ADVISER FOR REAGAN ASKED –
THE NEW JERSEY ROCKER SAID NO.
A FEW YEARS LATER, BOBBY MCFERRIN REQUESTED THEN VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH TO STOP USING THE SONG “DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY” AT CAMPAIGN EVENTS AS BUSH SOUGHT THE PRESIDENCY.
FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP HAS RECEIVED BACKLASH FROM SEVERAL MUSICIANS INCLUDING NEIL YOUNG AND THE ROLLING STONES – WHO SAID HIS TEAM WAS NOT AUTHORIZED TO USE THEIR MUSIC AT HIS RALLIES IN BOTH 2015 AND 2020, RESPECTIVELY.
WHILE REPORTS OVER THE YEARS SHOW IT’S REPUBLICAN POLITICIANS GETTING THE MAJORITY OF PUSHBACK FROM ARTISTS, DEMOCRATS HAVE ALSO BEEN ASKED TO HIT PAUSE.
SAM MOORE OF THE R AND B DUO SAM AND DAVE TOLD BARACK OBAMA TO QUIT PLAYING “HOLD ON, I’M COMING” AT HIS RALLIES BEFORE THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.
MOORE SAID HE DID NOT WANT THE PUBLIC THINKING THIS MEANT HE WAS ENDORSING OBAMA.
THERE ARE SOME RULES AND REGULATIONS WHEN IT COMES TO PLAYING MUSIC IN PUBLIC VENUES AND AT POLITICAL EVENTS.
WHILE NO PERMISSION IS NEEDED WHEN MUSIC IS PLAYED AT PLACES LIKE A STADIUM AND AN ARENA, THAT CHANGES WHEN THE EVENT IS POLITICAL IN NATURE. BMI CREATED ITS POLITICAL ENTITIES LICENSE FOR POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS TO GET APPROVAL TO PLAY AN ARTIST’S MUSIC AT THESE VENUES.
THIS LICENSE IS WHAT EMINEM’S CEASE-AND-DESIST LETTER CITES.
AS FOR RAMASWAMY – A SPOKESPERSON FOR HIS CAMPAIGN SAYS THEY WILL FROM NOW ON LEAVE THE RAPPING TO THE REAL SLIM SHADY.
Media Landscape
This story is a Media Miss by the right as only 23% of the coverage is from right leaning media. Learn more about this dataBias Distribution
Left
Eminem Demands Vivek Ramaswamy Stop Rapping ‘Lose Yourself’ On Campaign Trail
Click to see story on HuffPostEminem hits Ramaswamy with cease-and-desist letter: report
Click to see story on Raw StoryVivek Ramaswamy ‘cut loose’ to Eminem’s song on a campaign stop — the rapper asked him not to do it again
Click to see story on AlternetEminem Wants Vivek Ramaswamy to Stop Butchering His Songs
Click to see story on New York MagazineEminem Has Had Enough, Sends Cease and Desist to Vivek Ramaswamy
Click to see story on The New RepublicEminem bars Ramaswamy from using his music at rallies – National Zero
Click to see story on National ZeroEminem demands Vivek Ramaswamy cease using his music on campaign trail
Click to see story on The GuardianEminem asks Vivek Ramaswamy to not use his music in U.S. presidential campaign
Click to see story on The HinduEminem tells Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop rapping his music on the campaign trail
Click to see story on The IndependentMeet The Rapper In Republican Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy
Click to see story on NDTVEminem tells GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music on the campaign trail
Click to see story on USA TodayEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on CNNEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to not use his songs on campaign trail
Click to see story on The Washington PostEminem sends cease-and-desist letter telling Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using ‘Lose Yourself’ in campaign
Click to see story on NY Daily NewsEminem sends Vivek Ramaswamy a warning: Don’t use ‘Lose Yourself’ on the campaign trail
Click to see story on Los Angeles TimesEminem Sends Vivek Ramaswamy Cease-and-Desist for Performing ‘Lose Yourself’ on Campaign Trail
Click to see story on VarietyEminem Warns Vivek Ramaswamy Not To Perform Or Use His Music Anymore
Click to see story on DeadlineEminem to Ramaswamy: Stop using my music for your campaign
Click to see story on The Mercury newsEminem tells Republican Ramaswamy to stop using his music in campaign
Click to see story on Al JazeeraEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc 6 PhiladelphiaEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc 13 HoustonEminem takes legal action against Vivek Ramaswamy over rapping his music at campaign events
Click to see story on NBC NewsEminem sends cease-and-desist letter telling Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using ‘Lose Yourself’ in campaign
Click to see story on Star TribuneEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc 7 NewsEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc11 RaleighEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc30 NewsRapper Eminem tells Ramaswamy to drop the mic, quit playing songs
Click to see story on Japan TodayEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on Koco News5Eminem Wants to Stop Vivek Ramaswamy From Playing His Music On Campaign Trail
Click to see story on TMZEminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on RapplerEminem to presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy: Stop using ‘Lose Yourself’
Click to see story on Detroit Free PressRepublican primaries: rapper Eminen asks candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music
Click to see story on Le MondeEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports
Click to see story on WSVNEminem asks an American candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on TVA NouvellesUnited States: Eminem asks Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on LiberationEminem bans Republican Vivek Ramaswamy from his music during election campaign
Click to see story on SpiegelVivek Ramaswamy Hit With Cease and Desist From Eminem
Click to see story on MediaiteEminem asks Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music on campaign trail
Click to see story on The JournalEminem Sends Cease and Desist to Republican Vivek Ramaswamy Over “Lose Yourself”
Click to see story on PitchforkEminem asks presidential candidate to stop using his music in campaign
Click to see story on Scripps NewsEminem tells Republican Vivek Ramaswamy to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on BBC News2024 Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy trying to duck legal battle over his biotech empire
Click to see story on Hindustan TimesEminem tells GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy to stop rapping his music
Click to see story on CNBCEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KRDOEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KIFIRapper Eminem asks Ramaswamy to not use his music in campaign
Click to see story on South China Morning PostEminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on Channel News AsiaEminem wants Ramaswamy to stop using his music on the campaign trail
Click to see story on The HillEminem asks Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy to stop using his music during campaign trail
Click to see story on WIONEminem sends Vivek Ramaswamy cease and desist letter telling him to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on Sky News UKVivek Ramaswamy’s ‘Shady’ Use Of Eminem’s Rap Draws Rebuke — From Marshall Mathers Himself
Click to see story on BenzingaRapper Eminem tells Ramaswamy to drop the mic, quit playing songs
Click to see story on The Guardian NigeriaEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc 7 ChicagoEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KCRA 3Eminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc 7 LAEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music after viral rap performance
Click to see story on abc 7 NYEminem stops Republican Ramaswamy from playing his music
Click to see story on Deutsche WelleEminem makes sure Ramaswamy can no longer rap his songs on campaign trail
Click to see story on MarcaEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WCVBRapper Eminem asks US Presidential Election candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on The PrintEminem Sends Ramaswamy a Cease and Desist Letter
Click to see story on Political WireEminem tells GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop rapping his music at campaign events
Click to see story on WLWTEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WMUREminem tells presidential candidate from Ohio, Vivek Ramaswamy, to stop using his song
Click to see story on The Columbus DispatchEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WLKYEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WESHEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WDSUEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KETVEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WTAEEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WYFFEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KCCIEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KMBCEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WBAL-TVEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WISNEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WPTZEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WMTWEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WVTMEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WAPTEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KWWLEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KOATEminem tells former ‘libertarian freestyler’ Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his songs at campaign stops
Click to see story on FortuneEminem tells GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to quit using his music, media reports say
Click to see story on Des Moines RegisterEminem summons Republican Vivek Ramaswamy to stop raping his songs
Click to see story on Digi 24Eminem sends cease-and-desist letter telling Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using ‘Lose Yourself’ in campaign
Click to see story on The ColumbianEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WPBFEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WGALEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WXIIEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to not use his songs on campaign trail
Click to see story on SentinelSource.comUSA: Eminem asks candidate Ramaswamy to stop using his songs
Click to see story on i24NEWSEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KSBWEminem sends cease-and-desist letter telling Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using ‘Lose Yourself’ in campaign
Click to see story on Hartford CourantEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on KHBSVivek Ramaswamy’s radical ideas capture the attention of Newton voters
Click to see story on newtondailynews.comRapper Eminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to drop the mic, quit playing songs
Click to see story on Times of IndiaRapper Eminem Formally Tells Vivek Ramaswamy to Stop Using His Music for Campaign Purposes
Click to see story on News18 IndiaEminem slaps Vivek Ramaswamy with cease-and-desist after viral ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on Washington TimesEminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on The TelegraphRapper Eminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in US presidential campaign
Click to see story on Malay MailRapper Eminem tells Ramaswamy to drop the mic, quit playing songs
Click to see story on Bangkok PostEminem wants republican presidential candidate to stop rapping his songs at election meetings
Click to see story on Het Laatste NieuwsEminem bans Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy from rapping his song
Click to see story on Frankfurter AllgemeineEminem wants Ramaswamy to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on justthenews.comEminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on UnionLeader.comEminem asks Republican candidate to stop using his music
Click to see story on berlingske.dkSHILL SHADY: A triggered Eminem demands Vivek Ramaswamy stop performing his music
Click to see story on The Post MillennialEminem sends Vivek Ramaswamy cease and desist to stop performing ‘Lose Yourself’ while campaigning
Click to see story on Washington ExaminerREPORT: Eminem Demands Vivek Ramaswamy Stop Rapping His Songs At Campaign Events
Click to see story on The Daily CallerEminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on OANRapper Eminem slammed after demanding Vivek Ramaswamy stop using his songs on campaign trail
Click to see story on The BlazeEminem Sends Vivek Ramaswamy a Hilarious Cease and Desist Letter
Click to see story on RedStateGOP Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Rides Debate Momentum to Second Place in New Poll – The Ohio Star
Click to see story on The Ohio StarRapper Eminem tells Ramaswamy to drop the mic, quit playing songs
Click to see story on The Daily TelegraphEminem sends cease and desist to Vivek to stop rapping his song “Lose Yourself” at campaign rallies. It’s the same song Biden used in his 2020 campaign.
Click to see story on notthebee.comGOP Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Rides Debate Momentum to Second Place in New Poll – Tennessee Star
Click to see story on Tennessee StarVivek Ramaswamy told to stop rapping Eminem songs at campaign events
Click to see story on gbnews.comGOP Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Rides Debate Momentum to Second Place in New Poll – The Michigan Star
Click to see story on themichiganstar.comGOP Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Rides Debate Momentum to Second Place in New Poll – The Florida Capital Star
Click to see story on floridacapitalstar.comEminem reportedly sent Vivek Ramaswamy campaign a cease and desist letter demanding he stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on Fox NewsEminem Tells Vivek Ramaswamy to Stop Rapping His Songs
Click to see story on BreitbartUntracked Bias
Eminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on FijiTimesEminem tells Republican candidate to drop his mic
Click to see story on IltalehtiUnited States: Eminem asks a Republican primary candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on Le ParisienEminem asks Republican candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on Het Belang van LimburgRepublican Ramaswamy is no longer allowed to rap Eminem song
Click to see story on ORF.at NewsEminem sends cease and desist to US presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy
Click to see story on Music NewsEminem asks Republican candidate to stop using his music
Click to see story on Ekstra BladetEminem doesn’t want Trump’s Republican challenger rapping his songs
Click to see story on telex.huEminem asks a Republican to stop rapping on “Lose Yourself”
Click to see story on 20 MinutesEminem bans Republican presidential candidate from rapping his song
Click to see story on focus.deEminem to Republican Presidential Candidate: Don’t Use My Music
Click to see story on VGEminem asks an American candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on Le Journal de QuebecEminem doesn’t want Republican to use his songs in presidential campaign
Click to see story on RzeczpospolitaEminem asked the Republican candidate for president of the United States Vivek Ramaswamy not to sing his songs during the election campaign
Click to see story on Il PostEminem’s measure came full — sent a firm request to the Republican presidential candidate
Click to see story on Ilta-SanomatEminem asks Republican candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on De MorgenEminem Tells Vivek Ramaswamy To ‘stop Rapping His Songs’
Click to see story on GlamshamEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on WJCLEminem Tells Republican Vivek Ramaswamy To Stop Rapping His Songs
Click to see story on India WestEminem bothers that Republican Ramaswamy is using his music in campaign
Click to see story on Česká televizeEminem bans Ramaswamy from rapping his song
Click to see story on Salzburger NachrichtenEminem sends cease and desist to US presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy
Click to see story on CelebretainmentEminem bans Ramaswamy from rapping his song
Click to see story on Tiroler Tageszeitung OnlineEminem no longer wants Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to use his songs
Click to see story on www.cnews.frEminem sends cease and desist to Vivek Ramaswamy after cringeworthy “Lose Yourself” performance
Click to see story on ConsequencePeople. Eminem asks an American candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on estrepublicain.frPeople. Eminem asks an American candidate to stop rapping his songs
Click to see story on dna.frEminem asks Republican Ramaswamy to not use his music in presidential campaign
Click to see story on philenews.comEminem asks Ramaswamy to stop using his music after ‘Lose Yourself’ performance
Click to see story on mor-tv.comVOTE WITH THE UNBIASED, STRAIGHT FACTS.™
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