Case Studies

Jon Batiste urgently needed to clear a sample of The Showboys' "Drag Rap" the Wednesday before his scheduled appearance at the Super Bowl, where he would perform a customized rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that included a sample.

Lastrada handled the urgent request, confirming ownership and aligning the UK-based publisher stakeholders with their US-based legal representative. We collaborated directly with decision-makers to ensure a smooth path to approval under intense time pressure.

The sample was cleared within 48 hours—well before the deadline. In addition to securing a 5% share of the new work, Lastrada also negotiated a $10,000 backend fee paid by the NFL to re-air Batiste's performance in future broadcasts.

During a live concert performance, Beyoncé riffed using lyrics from Dynasty's "Adventures In The Land of Music", triggering a post-performance sample clearance request. The sample hadn't been pre-cleared, so the client needed urgent rights validation and re-clearance to release the performance as part of an official recording.

Lastrada quickly verified the sampled work and its ownership splits, then led the strategy to secure approval for the usage. We coordinated across rights holders and label stakeholders to re-work the final licensing structure.

Clearance was secured and the work was finalized for release on-schedule. Our client retained 8.82% ownership of the new recording and the previously unlicensed usage was brought into full compliance—ensuring no future rights disputes.

Eminem's team requested clearance to sample "Save Me" by Jelly Roll—a recent and enormously popular hit. The risk: balancing the original song's success against the value added by being associated with one of the world's greatest performers.

Lastrada managed the clearance process with sensitivity and structure, serving as a neutral, rights-focused intermediary. We helped both parties align on ownership terms and positioning, while protecting the original artist's creative value and visibility in the licensing agreement.

The clearance was approved with our client retaining 25% of the new work. Both artists' teams signed off on final terms. Blending two major creative talents, the release proceeded as scheduled through Interscope Records.

At the time of the clearance request, Hamilton was an Off-Broadway experiment. Lin-Manuel Miranda sought to sample Notorious B.I.G.'s "Going Back To Cali", but the work had no major label deal or commercial traction yet, making value projections and rights discussions especially sensitive.

Lastrada worked with rights holders to assess the creative intent and negotiate equitable terms despite the project's uncertain future. We structured a deal that accounted for long-term value while giving the production room to grow.

Clearance was secured with a 4.375% share for our client. Hamilton went on to win 11 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize, and the use of the sample became part of one of the most iconic Broadway works in modern history—proving the long-term value of early rights cooperation.

Drake requested to sample "Wise Man" by Frank Ocean, part of an exclusive catalog whose rights holders are known for their thoughtful, selective approach to licensing. Securing approval required more than just paperwork—it required careful strategy, persistence, and a willingness to allow the creative teams to work out the challenges together.

Lastrada engaged in structured, respectful negotiations with rights holders. Balancing the commercial weight of Drake's star power status with Frank Ocean's deliberative licensing process, Lastrada brought both parties together to iron out acceptable terms to proceed.

Clearance was approved and secured for our client at 50% ownership—an exceptionally high stake for a sample used by Drake. The track was released on schedule through Republic Records, reinforcing Lastrada's ability to succeed where others are routinely unsuccessful.