Chris Brown and Universal Music have reached a settlement with lyricist Steve Chokpelle, resolving all claims against them in a lawsuit that alleged Brown denied Chokpelle credit and revenue from two songs — “Monalisa” and “Sensational.” Terms were not disclosed.
Chokpelle claimed he wrote lyrics for both tracks at Brown‘s home in 2020, with Sean Kingston present. He alleged Brown heard a demo of “Sensational,” decided to record it himself, and later released a version featuring Lojay on his 2023 album 11:11, of which he listed Kingston and Lojay as co-authors but not Chokpelle.
The track subsequently soared atop Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and peaked at number 71 on the Hot 100. The lawsuit alleged the song generated over $1 million in revenue, with Chokpelle arguing that he was “unjustly enriched” out of his proper credit and compensation as an author and copyright owner of both songs. “Monalisa,” which was later remixed with Lojay and Sarz, peaked at number eight on Billboard’s Afrobeats chart.
Brown‘s lawyers had argued the case was filed outside the statute of limitations for copyright claims, though the judge had not ruled on that motion before the settlement was filed. The notice of settlement, obtained by Rolling Stone, confirmed the agreement would “bring an end to this matter as it pertains to defendants and Brown.”
Meanwhile, Chokpelle‘s claims against Sean Kingston remain unclear, as Kingston is currently serving a 42-month prison sentence for defrauding vendors of over $1 million in luxury goods.
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With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
