I now know where MC Hammer got the music for you can't touch this with a few minor changes.

Rick James Superfreak came out first

YouTube - Rick James - Super Freak

MC Hammer same music with a few changes.

YouTube - MC Hammer - U can't touch this (original)

 

Just like Queen & David Bowie's "Under Pressure":

YouTube - QUEEN - Under Pressure

And Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby":

YouTube - Vanilla Ice-Ice Ice Baby

 

I don't think that it was ever a secret. Rick James got a music credit on the album Please Hammer don't hurt them. You can have 24 notes the same, but as long as the 25th note is different than it does not qualify under copy right.

 

Whew! Here I thought you might be on the attack again!

 

Still sharpening my cutting tools.

 

wow... i should take a bunch of songs, and just change the 25th note so that its one octive higher or lower... most people wont notice... but when actually played... it will be totally different... and i will make millions,... MUHAHAHAHAAHAHAH <<<<<<<<thats my evil laugh

 

Its the same with Tone-loc's Funky cold Medina and Van Halens Jamie's crying,Tone-Loc asked for permission from Van Halen and was told no they couldn't use it so he switched it up a bit and used it anyway.