YG Entertainment is once again in hot water – this time for allegedly using a legendary American hip hop track without permission. Iconic rap group J.J. Fad has publicly called out the K-pop giant for lifting elements of their groundbreaking 1988 hit Supersonic in BABYMONSTER’s new song HOT SAUCE – and doing so without clearance, credit, or compensation.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for YG Entertainment, which has faced repeated criticism over the years for its controversial handling of Black cultural influences. From fashion to music, the label has often walked a fine line between homage and appropriation. Now, with J.J. Fad’s accusation, that line may have been crossed once again.
J.J. Fad goes public on TikTok
The trio, hailed as pioneers in old-school hip hop, posted a viral TikTok in which they compared HOT SAUCE to Supersonic and pointed out the glaring similarities. Their frustration was clear.
Well well well pic.twitter.com/RnfqOJojX9
— mimi ⊹ ‧₊˚ ౨ৎ (@mickeykkuma) July 4, 2025
“We definitely are flattered that @babymonster yg did an interpolation of Supersonic. The problem is they never asked for permission to use it, or paid for the usage! Better reach out soon or…” the group wrote on their official TikTok account.
J.J. Fad goes public on TikTok
What is Interpolation and why it isn’t a loophole
Interpolation – re-recording parts of an existing melody instead of sampling – still requires permission from the original rights holders. While K-pop frequently employs this technique, as seen in BLACKPINK’s Pink Venom (which nods to Rihanna) or IVE’s After LIKE (inspired by Donna Summer), that doesn’t exempt labels from legal and ethical obligations.
Fans demand accountability
The silence from YG Entertainment has only added fuel to the fire. Fans and industry professionals alike are calling out the company for its recurring pattern of using Black artistry without acknowledgment.
expected from the company famous for creating niggaboos https://t.co/hKDnIdemg0
— ✩ (@mitskiadore) July 31, 2025
YG has a reputation of stealing from black culture and they require at least one artist from each of their groups to either say the nword or imitate black ppl to get into the company so this isn’t much of a surprise. https://t.co/terYx4Ban7
— Riji’s ECHO⁷ (@3D2Y47) July 31, 2025
Others echoed similar sentiments, demanding accountability and transparency from one of K-pop’s biggest powerhouses.
more Korean companies stealing from black artists and no one is doing shit about it https://t.co/H7y6bBIKJr
— oo (@vibingnthewind) July 31, 2025
YG remains silent – for now
So far, the agency has not issued any comment on the accusations. Whether they choose to resolve the matter quietly behind the scenes or face the music publicly remains to be seen – but one thing is clear: J.J. Fad and their supporters won’t stay silent.
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