Los Angeles-based rapper Rich Rick has filed a lawsuit against Lil Wayne in L.A. County Superior Court, stating that the production behind his hit song ‘How to Love’ belongs to him, TMZ is reporting. The lawsuit claims that Rick purchased several productions, including the beat, between 2006 and 2009 from a group of rap producers known as the Drummer Boyz.

The hip-hop singer is also claiming that the Drummer Boyz, who have deleted their Twitter account since the lawsuit was filed, double-crossed him in November 2010. They reportedly pitched the beat to Lil Wayne, who used it in ‘How to Love,’ the third single off his upcoming ninth studio album, ‘Tha Carter IV.’ The record is set to be released on August 29, 2011, the day after Lil Wayne performs on the MTV Video Music Awards.

Lil Wayne acquired the beat in exchange for a 35 percent royalty agreement. So Rick is suing him, as well as the Drummer Boyz, for breach of contract and fraud. Rick is asking for everything the Drummer Boyz are entitled to under their agreement with Lil Wayne, plus 10 percent interest.

‘How to Love’s credited producer, Detail, previously said that the inspiration for ‘How to Love’ was Birdman’s 2006 single ‘Leather So Soft.’ The Drummer Boyz and Lil Wayne have not publicly commented on the lawsuit.

Written by: Karen Benardello