That famous refrain you've heard a thousand times (at least) --"Bow wow wow, yippie yo, yippie yeah" -- is at the center of a legal battle involving George Clinton, his copyright owners, and if you can believe it, Shaquille O'Neal.The chorus, originally from George Clinton's 1982 funk classic 'Atomic Dog,' has been sampled numerous times, most notably by Snoop Dogg for his 1992 hit 'Who Am I? (What's My Name?).' Recently, the song turned up again in the song 'D.O.G. in Me' by Public Announcement, a track which features a guest spot by none other than Shaquille O'Neal.
Bridgeport Music, the owners of many of Clinton's songs, have been pursuing infringement actions for years, and this recent case made its way to the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which upheld a lower court decision that Public Announcement was in fact infringing on their copyright.
The court cited 'D.O.G. in Me''s use of the famous lyrics, as well as the "repetition of the word 'dog' in a low tone of voice at regular intervals and the sound of rhythmic panting" as the basis for their decision.
According to at least one source, Dr. Funkenstein himself won't be seeing any of the $89,000 awarded in the case, as he has been part of an ongoing battle with Bridgeport Music over disputed royalties.
Making this whole ordeal even more interesting is this bit of information regarding the song's origins, courtesy of the Court of Appeals:
"[Songwriter David Spradley] recorded the initial tracks in the studio and recalled that 'when George arrived he had been partying pretty heavily so he was, you know, feeling pretty good,' and was unsteady at the microphone. Spradley and Garry Shider 'got on either side of him. We just kind of kept him in front of the microphone' while Clinton recorded the vocal tracks that same night."
Taylor Swift Dominates at 2013 Billboard Music Awards
Kellie Pickler Named 'Dancing With the Stars' Champion
Beyonce Releases New Anthem, 'Grown Woman'
J. Cole Performs 'Born Sinner' on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,' Reveals Competitive Spirit Against Kanye West
Carrie Underwood 'Goats' Hunter Hayes With Blown Away Tour Prank
LOOK: Bank Vault Saves 22 Lives During Tornado
Blake Shelton Will Return for Season 5 of 'The Voice'
PHOTO: Dog Guards Dead Victim's Body After Oklahoma Tornado Disaster
Toby Keith Says His Hometown of Moore, Oklahoma 'Will Perservere' After Deadly Tornado
Demi Looks FANTASTIC In A Bikini
Tim McGraw's 'Superstar Summer Night' Special to Air May 19
Man Reportedly Beheaded In Brutal Assault In London Neighborhood
Miguel and Fan Are 'Okay' After Crazy Kick at 2013 Billboard Music Awards
The World's Most Powerful Women
Tim McGraw Stops Atlanta Show to Help Ailing Fan
Wolf Blitzer's Embarrassing Moment With Tornado Survivor
Mother Dies With Infant During Oklahoma Tornado
U.S. Acknowledges Four American Citizens Killed In Drone Strikes
Help For Heroes Killing
NY Times Eviscerates Obama White House
Mum-Of-Two Faces Down Woolwich Attack Suspects
PHOTOS: Christie Brinkley Gets Back Into A Swimsuit At 59 Years Old
60 Minutes Makes All The Difference For $360 Million Jackpot
Who Won 'DWTS'?
PHOTOS: Tornado Aftermath Leaves Trail Of Destruction
PHOTOS: This Is The Best Response To Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries We've Seen Yet
Singer Sues McDonald's, Claims Chicken Sandwich Incident Ruined Her Voice
White Father Allegedly Suspected Of Kidnapping Biracial Daughters
CBS Reporter's Grave Allegations
Tornadoes Strike Oklahoma
Tara Ellison: Why I Gave A Toast At My Ex-Husband's Wedding
Police END Search For Susan Powell
PHOTOS: Tornadoes Wreak Havoc On Central U.S.
41 Comments