This Day In Rap History: OutKast Was Sued For Defamation Over Their Song "Rosa Parks"

Rosa Parks filed a lawsuit against OutKast for using her name on their album "Aquemini" on this day in rap history.

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Complex Original

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There are many events in rap history that are either unknown or forgotten, from album releases to deaths to random ass events most of us can't even recall. As an attempt to remember those moments, Complex will share an event that helped shape hip-hop in a sometimes minor, sometimes major way. Join us as we look back on This Day in Rap History.

March 31, 1999

In 1999, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of Rosa Parks against OutKast and LaFace Records for the use of her name on song "Rosa Parks." Parks' legal counsel argued the use of profanity and vulgarity was disrespectful to her legacy and that her name was used without Mrs. Park's consent.

After the suit was passed from court to court and Mrs. Park's legal counsel was changed at her family's behest. The lawsuit was finally settled in April 2005, months before Parks passed. Part of the settlement included OutKast working with the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute For Self Development to help young audiences familiarize themselves with the Parks legacy in civil rights. "Rosa Parks" was the biggest commercial hit from OutKast's third studio album.

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