Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Melvin Moore, professionally known as 4Rest, has initiated a $15 million lawsuit against Chlöe Bailey, Sony Music, Parkwood Entertainment, and Columbia Records. The lawsuit, filed in New York on February 20, 2025, alleges that Moore was not properly credited or compensated for his contributions to Bailey’s 2024 album, Trouble In Paradise. Moore asserts that he played a significant role in the creation of the tracks “Same Lingerie,” “Favorite,” and “Might As Well.”
Allegations of Unauthorized Use
In the 33-page complaint, Moore contends that the lyrics and narratives of the disputed songs were derived from his personal experiences, reflecting his relationships, emotions, and personal struggles. He alleges that Bailey and her associated labels “failed to seek permission” to use his work and did not engage in “good-faith negotiations” prior to the songs’ release. Furthermore, Moore claims that his contributions were misappropriated, with the defendants “falsely registering the works under their names” and exploiting them commercially without authorization.
Seeking Compensation and Industry Reform
Moore is pursuing $5 million in punitive damages per song and $150,000 per willful infringement. He emphasizes the broader issue of systemic exploitation in the music industry, stating, “Many songwriters, producers, and artists are routinely underpaid and mistreated, their talent exploited under the false promise of opportunity.” Moore calls for the industry to “acknowledge the value of the creatives who bring the music to life and compensate them fairly.”
Representatives for Bailey and Columbia Records have not yet responded to requests for comment. As the legal proceedings unfold, this case highlights ongoing concerns about fair compensation and recognition for songwriters and producers within the music industry.