Juice WRLD’s breakout hit "Lucid Dreams" has become one of the most iconic songs of the last decade, but behind its massive success lies a significant rights controversy involving the legendary musician Sting. The song, which heavily samples Sting's 1993 track "Shape of My Heart," was released without proper clearance of the sample, ultimately giving Sting significant leverage in post-release negotiations.
As a result, Sting owns 85% of the rights to "Lucid Dreams," a decision that sparked frustration from the song's producer, Nick Mira, who voiced his dismay over the situation. Despite the tension, Sting himself has praised the track, calling it a “beautiful interpretation that is faithful to the original song’s form” in an interview with Billboard.
“Lucid Dreams” has gone on to achieve monumental success, earning a diamond certification in the United States with over 11 million units sold. Sting even jokingly remarked that the royalties from the song will “put his grandkids through college,” further emphasizing the financial windfall he gained from the track.
For Juice WRLD, “Lucid Dreams” solidified his place as a generational talent, with its raw emotion and melodic brilliance resonating deeply with listeners worldwide. However, the legal and financial fallout serves as a reminder of the importance of clearing samples in the music industry.
While the rights dispute remains a controversial chapter in the song’s legacy, “Lucid Dreams” continues to stand as a timeless piece of artistry, blending Juice WRLD’s innovative style with the hauntingly beautiful essence of Sting’s original work.
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