Rita Ora – ‘How We Do (Party)’

9 August 2012

Fans of copyright claims, case law and incongruous swearing will enjoy the details of Oyewole v. Ora, a legal action taken in New York by US poet Abiodun Oyewole against the Notorious B.I.G. and Rita Ora. Oyewole claimed Biggie’s track ‘Party And Bullshit’ as interpolated by Ora’s ‘How We Do (Party)’ infringed on his ownership of the phrase “party and bullshit” from his 1968 poem ‘When The Revolution Comes’ and, what’s more, used it in an affirmative meaning that was contrary to the critical sense he intended. Oyewole’s case was dismissed and appeal rejected. The judgements in both were written by US court justices who surely ended up wishing they had gone for a job in the bank like their parents wanted:

Likewise, “Party” exalts “party and bullshit” rather than condemning it. Ora sings with joy about “party and bullshit.” She explains that her partner is “the one for [her]” because s/he is “[h]olding a bottle of Tanqueray” when “[i]t isn’t even the weekend,” and she sings about “[s]hut[ting] down every bar” and “tearing up the town.” Ora cheerfully proclaims that she wants to “party and bullshit.” Unlike “When the Revolution Comes,” “Party” does not denounce “party and bullshit” but instead suggests that it is fun, lighthearted, and enjoyable.

Oyewole v. Ora, 291 F. Supp. 3d 422, 433–36 (S.D.N.Y. 2018)

I note that despite such a deep dive into its composition, neither judge gave their opinion on how, Ora’s energy aside, ‘How We Do (Party)’ is meagre and trite Black Eyed Peas-style dumb-ass whoop-holler party-hardy moronica from a world in which people think they sound cool saying they drink “Jack”. Well, your honours, and if it so pleases the court, that’s where I come in.