let me know what your definition of what it means to rip off another artist is and then I'll let you know what the answer to your initial question is.
I see artists follow certain trends and influences. And being that there is so much music out there, you're always bound to find certain similarities.

I really need to understand what you think it means to rip of an artist... and then that should be debated first so we are all on the same page.

My definition is very different because I don't see that Jon ripped off Soul Asylum.