Joe Bogdanovich Releases Statement RE: Ishawna’s Benz seizure

Dancehall artiste Ishawna’s vehicle has been seized by the courts yesterday.

The “Vroom Vroom” singer’s white Mercedes-Benz was among several items handed over to the relevant authorities yesterday.

The story broke Thursday afternoon, our sources then told us it was in relation to DownSound Records’ current legal battle and according to a press release obtained we can now confirm.

In a press release from DownSound Records (DSR): It was said that the automobile was seized as a result of a matter currently before the courts.

The statement highlighted that several assets belonging to Joe Bogdanovich, owner of DSR, were seized as part of the court settlement in a matter involving himself, Cordel‘Skatta’ Burrell and producer Andre ‘Rookie’ Tyrell.

“DSR was absent from several court hearings because the record company was going through several transitions at the time. As a result, assets were seized today,” thestatement read.

Bogdanovich refused to give any other details surrounding the issue, instead stressing that the matter is currently before the court.

“It is a legal matter which is currently before the courts, and is being addressed by our attorneys who will comment further at the appropriate time,” he said.

According to the Star, efforts to contact Ishawna for a comment were unsuccessful.

Last month, Burrell and Downsound Records were ordered by the courts to pay $15 million in damages for use of the rhythm on Street Hustle, a song done by 2011 Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall winner, Specialist. In documents submitted to the court surrounding the case, Tyrell charged that Skatta and Downsound Records created a beat that they named the ‘Street Hustle’ rhythm, which was a reproduction or adaptation of his ‘Super Star’ rhythm. Tyrell claimed that he was not compensated for his work even though it was used in the song, as well as for a major advertising campaign.

The courts ruled on the matter and ordered that Tyrell be paid $9.5 million for statutory damages under the Copyright Act; $2.5 million for breach of moral rights, and US$15,000 (J$1,785,000) for general or compensatory damages.