Finesse2Tymes Faces $40K Bone Thugs Sample Fee

Memphis rapper claims high clearance cost for Notorious B.I.G. song featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Finesse2Tymes, a Memphis rapper, is upset after claiming he was hit with a $40,000 sample clearance fee to use a Bone Thugs-N-Harmony record. However, it appears the fee is actually for sampling "Notorious Thugs," a Notorious B.I.G. song featuring the Cleveland group. Finesse accused the label of "extorting" him, but Layzie Bone stepped in to clarify that Finesse would need to go through Bad Boy Records, not Bone Thugs, to clear the Biggie sample.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the complex and often costly process of sample clearance in the music industry, which can create tension between artists. It also shows how miscommunication and lack of business knowledge can lead to public disputes that could potentially damage an artist's career.

The details

Finesse2Tymes is looking to sample "Notorious Thugs," a Notorious B.I.G. song that features Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. He claims the label told him the clearance fee would be $40,000, which he felt was too high. Finesse accused the group of "extorting" him, but Layzie Bone stepped in to clarify that Finesse would need to go through Bad Boy Records, not Bone Thugs, to clear the Biggie sample. Layzie also offered Finesse some business advice, suggesting he slow down on drugs and get a team to help him navigate the industry.

  • Finesse2Tymes made the initial claims about the $40,000 sample fee on January 27, 2026.

The players

Finesse2Tymes

A Memphis rapper who is looking to sample a Notorious B.I.G. song featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

A legendary hip-hop group from Cleveland, Ohio, who were featured on the Notorious B.I.G. song Finesse2Tymes wants to sample.

Layzie Bone

A member of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony who stepped in to clarify the sample clearance process for Finesse2Tymes.

Offset

An Atlanta rapper who got into a separate petty back-and-forth with Finesse2Tymes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The label said y'all was trying to charge me $40,000 to clear that sh*t.”

— Finesse2Tymes, Rapper (hiphopwired.com)

“I ain't gone lie, Im goin on one of y'all grill [Bone Thugs-N-Harmony]. N*gga ain't never extorted me in my life, $15-$25K cool, B*TCH $40K naw y'all gotta see me cuh.”

— Finesse2Tymes, Rapper (hiphopwired.com)

“Young man, I like what you did to the Bone & Bigge beat but first off we don't own the song, that's Biggi song off his album. You've had to go through Bad Boy for that clearance.”

— Layzie Bone, Member of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (hiphopwired.com)

“Thirdly, young man, if you want to have longevity in this business, like Bone, slow down on them drugs and get you a team to help you understand and navigate the business. We grown and too old for drama, check yoself, grasshoppers.”

— Layzie Bone, Member of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (hiphopwired.com)

“B*tch a** n*gga don't say my name.”

— Offset, Rapper (hiphopwired.com)

What’s next

It's unclear if Finesse2Tymes plans to continue pursuing the sample clearance or if he will abandon the project due to the high cost.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complexities and costs associated with sample clearance in the music industry, which can create tensions between artists if not properly navigated. It also underscores the importance of artists understanding the business side of the industry to avoid public disputes that could damage their careers.