When Culture Claps Back: The Business Case Behind the Isaac Hayes Estate Lawsuit Against Donald Trump
On April 2, 2025, a federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump and his 2024 campaign must face a lawsuit filed by the Isaac Hayes Estate.
The charge? Unauthorized use of “Hold On, I’m Coming”, the soul classic co-written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, during over 100 campaign events and digital appearances—without proper clearance or permission.
To the average person, this might sound like just another copyright case.
But from a BLKHustle lens, this is bigger than a courtroom.
It’s about ownership, cultural respect, and legal strategy.
It’s a business lesson wrapped in a lawsuit.
Let’s break down why this matters—for entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone building something to last.
1. OWNERSHIP IS EVERYTHING
Isaac Hayes may be gone, but his work is still working.
That’s legacy. And that’s leverage.
The reason this lawsuit is even possible is because his estate still owns the rights.
Ownership means they can protect, license, and—when necessary—fight for it.
Key Takeaway:
If you don’t own it, you can’t defend it.
If you do own it, treat it like a business, not just a memory.
2. PLATFORMS DON’T OVERRIDE YOUR POWER
The Trump campaign claimed they had a license through BMI and ASCAP.
But the Hayes Estate had explicitly excluded political use.
That’s the difference between a license and permission.
Key Takeaway:
A platform might distribute your work. But only you get to define how it’s used.
Set boundaries, and be prepared to enforce them.
3. CULTURE IS CAPITAL—DON’T LET THEM SPEND IT FOR FREE
Trump didn’t just use the song. He used the energy of it.
“Hold On, I’m Coming” isn’t just a bop—it’s a cry from a time when Black music was liberation.
To repurpose that for political gain, in a context completely disconnected from its meaning, is more than disrespect. It’s exploitation.
Key Takeaway:
If your art moves people, it makes money.
Never let anyone monetize your message without your permission.
4. BLACK ESTATES MUST ACT LIKE BUSINESSES
This isn’t just a family filing a lawsuit.
This is a Black legacy run like a corporation.
Led by Isaac Hayes III, the estate didn’t blink.
They brought in one of the most respected names in entertainment law: Attorney James L. Walker, Jr., backed by the powerhouse team at Walker & Associates LLP.
Walker is a 4-time Billboard Music Litigator of the Year, known for fighting—and winning—for the rights of artists, creatives, and estates.
This wasn’t emotional. It was executive.
The legal team:
— Issued a cease-and-desist
— Filed a strategic federal lawsuit
— Demanded $3M in damages
— Secured a preliminary injunction
— Defeated Trump’s attempt to dismiss the case
Key Takeaway:
Don’t just hire a lawyer. Hire a legal strategy.
Your creativity is an asset—defend it with professionals who understand the culture and the courtroom.
5. CAMPAIGNS ARE CONTENT MACHINES—SO IS YOUR CATALOG
Political campaigns are content farms.
Every rally, every ad, and every livestream is media.
And music drives the message.
When your music becomes the score to their movement—without your blessing—they’re leveraging your influence without cutting a check.
Key Takeaway:
Protect your catalog like it’s intellectual real estate.
Because that’s exactly what it is.
6. CATALOG RIGHTS = LEGACY REVENUE
Let’s be real. This song dropped in 1966.
But in 2025, it’s still generating value.
That’s why the Hayes Estate is playing chess, not checkers.
They know that old doesn’t mean expired—it means timeless.
And timeless work should have timeless protections.
Key Takeaway:
Your content might age, but its value never retires.
Keep it protected, keep it in play.
7. THIS LAWSUIT ISN’T PERSONAL. IT’S PROFESSIONAL.
This isn’t about ego.
This is about sending a message—to politicians, platforms, and producers:
Black creativity is not free.
The Hayes Estate isn’t just looking for a win.
They’re looking to set a legal precedent that future campaigns will have to follow.
Key Takeaway:
Sometimes you file suit not just to protect yourself, but to protect the ecosystem.
8. IF YOU UNDERCHARGE YOUR ART, THEY’LL EXPLOIT IT
100+ unauthorized uses.
At political events. In national media. On livestreams. In video content.
And how much did Trump’s campaign offer in compensation?
Zero.
That’s how the game works if you let it.
Use your work, ignore your invoice.
Key Takeaway:
Put a price on your power.
If they need your sound, they need your signature—and your rate card.
9. LEGAL INFRASTRUCTURE IS CREATOR INSURANCE
The Hayes Estate had a team in place.
They didn’t panic—they activated.
This is what happens when you build your creative house with a legal foundation.
You don’t just protect your assets—you scale them.
Key Takeaway:
You need a lawyer before the deal.
Not just to sue—but to stop the problem before it starts.
10. THIS ISN’T JUST A CASE. IT’S A CULTURAL BLUEPRINT.
This is a message to every creative, entrepreneur, artist, and estate:
“Your brilliance deserves boundaries.
Your work deserves compensation.
And your legacy deserves lawyers who will fight for it.”
FINAL WORD FROM BLKHUSTLE:
This isn’t just about Isaac Hayes.
It’s about every creative who poured soul into something timeless and refused to let it be used as a political prop.
With Isaac Hayes III holding the torch, and Attorney James L. Walker, Jr. leading the legal charge, this case is a lesson in power, protection, and legacy.
Culture is currency.
Legacy is leverage.
Ownership is the future.
And Black brilliance is not up for grabs.
Protect them all like your freedom depends on it—because, in many ways, it does.
