UK company, Copyrunners slammed for plagiarising Ghanaian artist’s tribute to Nipsey Hussle to make money

While fans all over the world mourn the tragic passing away of Grammy-nominated rapper, Nipsey Hussle, a UK-based company that specialises in garment decoration, screen printing, and more has incurred the wrath of many for trying to make money from the whole situation.

Copyrunners posted merchandise created with an artistic tribute by Ghanaian artist Ray Styles, popularly known as PenciledCelebrities, for the late Nipsey Hussle. The artwork sees both Nipsey Hussle and TuPac Shakur portrayed as angels.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvwBUuMheM-/?utm_source=ig_embed

Apart from not seeking the permission of PenciledCelebrities before creating the merchandise, many also felt Copyrunners goofed in trying to exploit the situation to make money.

View this post on Instagram

“If you don't know your full-throttle history, the whole story of how you came to where you are, it's kind of hard to put things together. -Nipsey Hussle” @nipseyhussle death have been hard on me, he was one of the many people who motivated and pushed me to to invest in myself. Nipsey is hard to say this but Thank You for your life; R.I.P 💙😞😥😰😥 I don’t like doing these pieces by the way!!! Please let’s love and keep each other! One love!! ❤️❤️ #penciledcelebrities #nipseyhussle #ripnipsey

A post shared by Ray Styles (@penciledcelebrities) on Apr 1, 2019 at 4:48am PDT

The merchandise gained attention on Instagram when Link Up TV, a music promotional platform based in London, posted it as a give-away for Nipsey fans.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvwNnyphTff/?utm_source=ig_embed

Ray Styles then commented: “you don’t have the right to sell this. I own the artwork and I don’t give any permission to print this art!”

Source: ameyawdebrah