Lola Young Files Claim Against ‘Messy’ Co-Producer Carter Lang Over Songwriting Credits

In a significant legal development, musician Lola Young and her publisher, Sony Music Publishing, have initiated an intellectual property lawsuit in London against songwriter and producer Carter Lang. The core of the dispute revolves around Lang's claim to songwriting credits on four of Young's tracks. Carter Lang, a prominent figure known for his production work with artists such as SZA and Justin Bieber, has a established collaborative history with Young, most notably on her breakout single "Messy" and several songs from her third album, "I’m Only Fucking Myself."

The conflict, which the BBC first reported has been simmering for months, centers on specific songs from two of Young's projects. The contested tracks from her 2023 album "This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway" are "Good Books," "Messy," and "Crush." Additionally, the lawsuit involves "One Thing," "Walk All Over You," "Post Sex Clarity," and "Not Like That Anymore" from her latest release. While the full legal documents remain confidential, the industry outlet Variety has verified that statements are being collected from representatives of all parties involved, a standard step in such proceedings.

This legal action emerges during an intensely difficult period for the artist. It was filed a mere day after Young announced the cancellation of all her upcoming professional commitments to focus on her health and personal well-being. This decision came in the wake of a distressing incident at New York's All Things Go festival, where she collapsed on stage. An entertainment lawyer not affiliated with the case, David Chen, commented on the situation: "Credit disputes are common, but their public nature can create significant distractions. When an artist is also facing health issues, the compounded stress can affect both creative output and business negotiations." This dual pressure of legal and personal challenges creates a complex situation for any performer.

At the heart of the lawsuit is "Messy," the very song that catapulted Lola Young to mainstream recognition. The track's journey to fame began with massive viral traction on TikTok, propelling it to No. 14 on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its success was further cemented when it secured the No. 1 spot on the Pop Airplay chart. Given its monumental impact, "Messy" has been submitted for consideration in major categories at the 2026 Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist. The timing of this legal challenge, intertwined with a public health scare, undoubtedly marks a critical and testing juncture for the ascendant artist's career.