R&B artist Chris Brown is currently facing legal action from songwriter Steve Chokpelle, who alleges that he was not given due credit or compensation for his lyrical contributions to two of Brown's popular songs, “Monalisa” and “Sensational.” The lawsuit, filed in a Manhattan federal court, highlights a contentious dispute over intellectual property and financial entitlements in the music industry. Chokpelle is seeking official recognition as the songs' author and copyright owner, along with monetary damages, from Brown and other involved parties.
Singer Chris Brown Faces Copyright Lawsuit Over Hit Tracks
In a recent development on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, songwriter Steve Chokpelle initiated a federal lawsuit in Manhattan, accusing R&B artist Chris Brown of failing to acknowledge his authorship and provide rightful compensation for the lyrics of two significant musical works, “Monalisa” and “Sensational.” According to Chokpelle's complaint, the collaborative genesis of “Monalisa” began in 2020 at Brown's Los Angeles residence, where Chokpelle, alongside Sean Kingston, was tasked with writing lyrics for the track, which later saw its release on June 4, 2021. The song, particularly its 2022 remix featuring Nigerian artists Lojay and Sarz, achieved notable success, climbing to eighth position on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.
Furthermore, Chokpelle asserts his role in composing the lyrics for the subsequent song “Sensational” in 2021. He claims that after presenting a demo of “Sensational” to Brown, the artist independently recorded, mixed, and mastered his rendition, featuring Lojay. This version was later included in Brown’s 2023 album, 11:11, where it soared to the top spot on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and reached number 71 on the Hot 100. The legal filing contends that “Sensational” generated revenue exceeding $1 million, none of which, Chokpelle states, was shared with him. The lawsuit names Brown, Sean Kingston, Sony Music Entertainment, and Universal Music Publishing Group as defendants, demanding a comprehensive accounting of all earnings from the commercial exploitation of these songs and seeking appropriate damages for the alleged infringement of his rights.
This legal confrontation underscores the complex and often fraught relationships between artists and behind-the-scenes creators in the music industry. It serves as a potent reminder of the critical importance of clear contractual agreements and fair recognition for all contributors. The pursuit of authorship and copyright ownership by Chokpelle highlights a broader discussion on equitable practices within music production and the challenging journey many songwriters face in securing their deserved place and remuneration for their creative endeavors.