Beyoncé and her label Parkwood Entertainment are facing a new legal challenge over her 2022 hit “Alien Superstar.” The lawsuit claims that the track includes a sample that wasn’t properly cleared, and it’s already stirring conversation across the music world.
Filed by Shuji Hirose, owner of the indie label Soundmen on Wax Records, the suit alleges that Beyoncé’s team cleared the sample from the wrong source. The sample comes from “Moonraker,” a 1998 dance track performed by Foremost Poets (John Holiday). While Beyoncé’s team got permission from Holiday, Hirose claims Holiday doesn’t actually hold the rights to the master recording.
What makes this more complicated is that the sample is part of the song’s opening line, which says: “Please do not be alarmed, remain calm…” This moment has become one of the most recognizable parts of “Alien Superstar.”
Although Beyoncé herself is not listed as a defendant, the lawsuit targets Parkwood, Sony Music, and Warner Chappell. Hirose is seeking a share of royalties from the track, which appears on Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning “RENAISSANCE” album.
This isn’t the first time “Alien Superstar” has drawn controversy. Right Said Fred previously accused Beyoncé of using elements of their hit “I’m Too Sexy” without direct permission. The group called her “arrogant” and criticized how many writers were credited on the song. Beyoncé’s team fired back, saying permission was granted and payment was made.
The drama also extended to her song “ENERGY,” which briefly featured a sample from Kelis’s “Milkshake.” After Kelis complained, Beyoncé removed the sample. Pharrell Williams later defended the use, saying he wrote the song.
As Beyoncé continues to break records, it seems some of her songs are breaking legal peace too.
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