Mary J Blige has won a major legal victory after a U.S. federal judge dismissed a copyright infringement lawsuit involving her 1992 hit Real Love. The case was filed by Tuff City Records, who claimed that the track sampled the 1973 funk classic Impeach the President by the Honey Drippers without proper authorization.

The lawsuit accused Universal Music Group, which manages her catalog, of using elements of the funk anthem in the production of Real Love. However, Judge Dale Ho ruled that the two songs were not substantially similar. According to the ruling, an ordinary listener would not believe Mary J Blige had copied protected elements from Impeach the President.

Mary J Blige was not named as a direct defendant in the case, but her label faced the legal pressure. With the dismissal, the singer’s timeless single is now free from legal disputes and continues to stand tall as one of her defining records.

Produced by Cory Rooney and Mark Morales, also known as Prince Markie Dee of the Fat Boys, Real Love became a breakthrough for J Blige in the early 90s. The song blended hip-hop beats with soulful R&B vocals, solidifying her reputation as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.” Decades later, it remains one of her most beloved works and a landmark in music history.

This ruling also highlights ongoing debates about music sampling, a practice that has fueled creativity while sparking countless lawsuits. For Mary J Blige, the outcome reaffirms her legacy and allows fans to continue celebrating Real Love without controversy overshadowing its cultural impact.

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