The Copyright Clearances For "Uptown Funk" Almost Resembles A Classical Greek Epic.

https://www.tmz.com/2025/03/01/angie-stone-dead-singer-songwriter-the-sequence/

It includes samples, snippets and fragments of, at least, 10 other songs. Meaning that it you want to use it in a movie, TV show or commercial you've got to get permission from, at least, 10 different companies. Presumably all of whom will want paying.

I don't think Bruno Mars ran up his massive debt gambling. He just made the mistake of releasing Uptown Funk.

While Britain and the Obamas are still trying to make "Only One Verse" over there a thing.

https://www.instagram.com/centralcee_media/p/DF5Zu3gI9dY/ 

It's actually something else I learned recently. Zoe Kravitz's brother, so Lenny Kravitz's son, full time job is clearing copyright for songs to be used in movies, TV shows and commercials.

Hip-Hop/Rap (Ska) has made the task a full time job. Perhaps one of the less glamourous jobs in the movie industry.