Salt-N-Pepa, the pioneering hip-hop duo consisting of Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton, have initiated authorized motion in opposition to Common Music Group (UMG). Their aim? To regain management over their grasp recordings.
The lawsuit invokes the Copyright Act of 1976. This act permits artists to terminate earlier agreements and reclaim possession of their recordings after a sure interval.
In response to the lawsuit, James and Denton filed termination notices in 2022. They allege UMG has refused to honor their rights. Additionally they declare that their music was faraway from streaming platforms, hindering their capability to license work to different events.
The duo contends that UMG’s actions have considerably harmed the worth of their catalog and disadvantaged followers of entry to their music.
UMG maintains that the recordings in query have been “works made for rent,” a classification that may forestall the artists from reclaiming rights beneath the Copyright Act. Salt-N-Pepa dispute this characterization, claiming their authentic contracts don’t assist UMG’s declare.
The lawsuit seeks charges that exceed $1 million. Additionally they search for a everlasting injunction affirming their possession rights. This authorized battle highlights ongoing tensions within the music business, the place legacy artists usually confront challenges in regaining management over their work amid outdated contract phrases.
Salt-N-Pepa have been the primary feminine rap group to win a Grammy and obtained the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.
They’re set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame in 2025.
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Salt-N-Pepa Sue UMG Over Rights to Iconic Recordings
was initially revealed on
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