Cardi B is celebrating a significant legal win! A federal judge in Texas has dismissed a copyright infringement lawsuit targeting her 2024 single, “Enough (Miami).” This ruling effectively ends the case brought by musicians Joshua Fraustro and Miguel Aguilar, who perform as Kemikal 956.
The Allegations and the Dismissal
The lawsuit, filed in July 2024, claimed that Cardi B’s track lifted elements from the plaintiffs’ 2021 song, “Greasy Frybread.” Fraustro and Aguilar argued their song had gained recognition, even being used in promotional material for the FX series “Reservation Dogs.” However, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. found Texas to be an improper venue for the lawsuit.
The court pointed out that Cardi B, whose legal name is Belcalis Almanzar, resides in New Jersey, while her label, Atlantic Records, and its parent company, Warner Music Group, are based in New York. The judge determined that her performances in Texas were part of broader national tours and not specifically targeted at the state. Furthermore, the availability of her music through streaming platforms in Texas wasn’t considered unique, as it’s distributed nationwide.
Critical Flaws in the Legal Claim
Beyond the jurisdictional issues, the court identified substantial problems with the plaintiffs’ actual copyright claim. A critical requirement for copyright infringement lawsuits is having a registered copyright for the work in question. Fraustro and Aguilar only secured a copyright for “Greasy Frybread” in October 2025, more than a year after they initiated legal action.
Judge Rodriguez further ruled that even if the case had been brought in the correct venue, the claims would likely fail due to insufficient evidence. Attempts by the plaintiffs to introduce claims under Texas state laws, such as unfair competition and defamation, were also dismissed, as the court found them preempted by federal copyright law and lacking specific details.
The Ruling’s Impact
- Lawsuit dismissed due to improper venue (Texas).
- Cardi B and her associated companies are based outside of Texas.
- Plaintiffs lacked a registered copyright for their song at the time of filing.
- Evidence was deemed insufficient even if jurisdiction was proper.
- Additional state law claims were dismissed as preempted by federal copyright law.
The court’s decision to bar the plaintiffs from amending their complaint again signifies a definitive end to the case in Texas. This ruling represents a clear legal victory for Cardi B and her record label, reinforcing the importance of proper legal procedures in copyright disputes.
What are your thoughts on this copyright lawsuit dismissal? Do you think artists need stronger protections against such claims? Share your views in the comments below!
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