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Case Details

Boxing legend Mike Tyson is facing federal court action after allegedly using a 1998 Hip-Hop track featuring Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule without proper licensing in a viral Instagram video that helped promote his Netflix fight against Jake Paul. Producer Ty Fyffe claims the unauthorized use of "Murdergram" contributed to Tyson's reported $20 million payday while generating hundreds of thousands of social media interactions.

By Samuel Lopez – USA Herald

The collision between old-school boxing and modern social media promotion has landed Mike Tyson in federal court, where a legendary Hip-Hop producer is demanding accountability for what he claims was brazen copyright infringement that helped fuel one of Netflix's most-watched sporting events.

Producer Ty Fyffe has filed a federal lawsuit against the former heavyweight champion, alleging that Tyson illegally incorporated the classic track "Murdergram" into a 33-second Instagram video posted last November. The video, which showcased Tyson's training regimen for his highly anticipated bout against Jake Paul, allegedly used the 1998 song without securing proper licensing or permission from its creators.

The legal complaint centers on more than just unauthorized usage. According to court documents, Tyson not only used the track without permission but also credited Fyffe in the post's caption, creating what the producer claims was a misleading impression that he had endorsed or partnered with the boxing icon's promotional efforts.

Million-Dollar Stakes and Viral Reach

The financial implications of this case extend far beyond a simple copyright dispute. Fyffe's legal team argues that the unauthorized use of "Murdergram" directly contributed to the commercial success of the Netflix-streamed fight, which reportedly attracted over 108 million viewers worldwide. The Instagram post itself generated significant engagement, accumulating more than 452,000 likes and reaching hundreds of thousands of additional users through shares and algorithmic distribution.

Central to the lawsuit is the claim that this viral promotional content helped secure Tyson's reported $20 million Netflix payday. The producer alleges that his copyrighted work became an integral part of the marketing campaign that drove viewership numbers to record-breaking heights for the streaming platform's sports programming.

The Track's Hip-Hop Legacy

"Murdergram," originally released by Murder Inc. Records, carries significant weight in Hip-Hop history. The track, which featured collaborations with Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule, was prominently featured in Jay-Z's film "Streets Is Watching" and represents a cornerstone of late 1990s Hip-Hop production. Fyffe co-produced the track during an era when these artists were establishing themselves as industry titans.