‘Shape of You’ – ‘No Scrubs’
Most tracks that have used samples, such as ‘7 Rings’, have the writing credits finalised before a songs’ release in order to avoid legal issues or bad publicity. In some circumstances, writing credits are added in a panic after comparisons by the press or public have been made. This is exactly what happened with ‘Shape Of You’ by Ed Sheeran.
Released in 2017, the pop song was instantly comparable to the huge 90s hit ‘No Scrubs’ by American pop group TLC. The comparison is more noticeable in the pre-chorus sections of the song, occurring twice throughout its duration and consisting of the same catchy beat used in the original. Even though fans liked the song, co-writer of ‘No Scrubs’ Kandi Burruss hit out at Sheeran on social media, eventually getting her name on the writing credits.