Reggaeton’s iconic dembow loop, that unforgettable boom ch-boom-chick, is at the center of a major copyright lawsuit. Jamaican producers Cleveland “Clevie” Browne and Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson are claiming infringement on their track "Fish Market," targeting over 1,800 songs from artists like Bad Bunny and Daddy Yankee. This legal battle could reshape reggaeton’s future, potentially requiring licenses for using this foundational pattern.

The stakes are high as Steely and Clevie argue that many tracks have borrowed from "Fish Market" without permission. If they succeed, it might force the industry to rethink its approach to rhythm copyrights. Scholars have long debated these issues in Afro-diasporic music traditions, often sidelined by Eurocentric legal standards.

This case could set a precedent for recognizing rhythms as protectable intellectual property. The implications extend beyond royalties; it challenges how we credit Black pioneers in reggaeton's evolution. With an outcome still pending until 2025, this lawsuit highlights ongoing discussions about race and recognition within the music industry.

As we watch this unfold, it’s clear that addressing these complex cultural legacies is crucial for achieving justice in music's global landscape.