International success does not exempt artists from facing the courts. Now, it is the turn of Puerto Rican Rauw Alejandro, who was sued by BM Records for allegedly using fragments of songs by legendary DJ Playero in his album Saturno (2022).
According to Billboard Latino’s report, the complaint was filed on August 21, 2025. In it, BM Records alleges that several songs on the album contain unauthorized samples of recordings that are part of Playero’s catalog, considered a pioneer of reggaeton and a key figure in the consolidation of the genre along with artists such as Daddy Yankee.
The songs singled out are: “DE CAROLINA”, which allegedly samples La gente sabe, “PANTIES Y BRASIERES”, with alleged fragments of Camuflash, “DEJAU'”, linked to Sigan bailando and “PUNTO 40”, singled out for using elements of Tengo una punto 40.
“The use of these works was made without obtaining a valid license,” explained attorney Daniel Lifschitz, representing BM Records. “Therefore, the continued exploitation of Saturn infringes on the copyrights of Playero’s works owned by BM.”
The lawsuit also includes Sony Music Latin and the independent label Duars Entertainment, responsible for the distribution of the album. The company is claiming up to $150,000 in damages for each infringed song, which could translate into millions of dollars.
Rauw Alejandro on demand
What makes the case especially striking is that DJ Playero himself is credited on several of Saturno’ s songs and, at the time of its release in 2022, he enthusiastically promoted the album on his social networks. This opens a question: was there a personal permission between Playero and Rauw Alejandro that was not acknowledged by BM Records?
Neither Rauw, Playero nor their representatives have publicly responded to Billboard’s inquiries. Therefore, it is possible that the real legal dispute is not with the artist, but between the producer and the label over who has the right to license the catalog.
This scenario is not new. In 2021, BM Records filed a lawsuit against Bad Bunny for the use of Playero samples in the hit song Safaera. On that occasion, the DJ himself clarified that for him to hear his creations in a global hit was “a beautiful feeling” and distanced himself from the conflict. The case ended in 2023 with an economic agreement between the parties.
The new dispute could set an important precedent for reggaeton and urban music in general. The use of samples has been a common practice in the genre since its inception, but the global boom and the entry of major labels have turned these elements into a legal battleground.
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