Denise Belfon Says Drake’s Team Helped End Decades-Long Royalty Dispute Over “Work”
Trinidad and Tobago soca icon Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon has revealed that she is finally receiving royalties from her classic hit “Work (Put Yuh Back In It)” after nearly 30 years, crediting Drake and his team with helping to resolve a long-standing rights dispute.
Belfon made the revelation after Drake sampled her 1998 soca anthem on his new track “BBW” from the album Maid of Honour. While discussing the collaboration, she explained that the renewed interest in her music also led to a breakthrough in the complex royalty issues surrounding “Work.”
According to Belfon, years of disputes over ownership and rights had prevented her from receiving royalties from many uses of the song. She said Drake’s team worked with her representatives to ensure everything was properly cleared, allowing her to begin earning royalties from future uses of the recording.
However, Belfon says the fight is not yet over. She is still seeking backpay connected to the thousands of recordings and remixes that sampled or used elements of “Work” over the years before the issue was resolved.
Originally released in 1998, “Work (Put Yuh Back In It)” has become one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most recognisable soca songs, inspiring countless remixes and samples across multiple genres. Belfon has described Drake’s recent sample as another milestone in the song’s remarkable global legacy, while expressing hope that the long-overdue financial recognition will continue.
