Judge Halts Sales of Landmark Recording 'Ready to Die'

by Allison Keyes, NPR

Sampling, when an artist takes part of one song and uses it in another, is a staple of hip-hop music. Now a federal court has decided how much of the original tune can be used without breaking the law. And five seconds is too much. As a result, the judge froze sales of the late rapper Notorious B.I.G.'s landmark album Ready to Die.

Broadcast Dates

• Morning Edition, March 20, 2006