Salt-N-Pepa Sues UMG, Accuses Them of Pulling Their Music in Retaliation

Salt-N-Pepa are headed to the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame later this 12 months, however the trailblazing rap duo can be waging a significant authorized battle to reclaim the rights to their music catalog.

Cheryl James and Sandra Denton, recognized famously as Salt-N-Pepa, filed a lawsuit on Monday, Could 19, in New York federal courtroom towards Common Music Group (UMG), accusing the label of refusing to honor their authorized proper to reclaim possession of their grasp recordings below the U.S. Copyright Act — and retaliating by pulling their music from streaming platforms.

The grievance, obtained by ipromiseyoumedia, explains that Salt-N-Pepa adopted a copyright regulation that lets artists take again management of their music 35 years after signing away the rights, and so they formally notified Common of their resolution in 2022. In accordance with the go well with, UMG rejected the notices and subsequently eliminated “Push It,” “Shoop,” “Let’s Discuss About Intercourse” and the group’s different songs from main U.S. streaming companies like Spotify and Apple Music whereas allegedly persevering with to say possession of the recordings.

“As they put together to make historical past as solely the second feminine hip-hop act ever inducted into the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame, Salt-N-Pepa are additionally combating to reclaim rightful possession of their iconic, barrier-breaking music,” a press release by Salt-N-Pepa’s authorized representatives claims. “UMG has pulled their songs from all main platforms within the U.S., punishing them for asserting these rights and silencing a long time of culture-shifting work.”

Salt-N-Pepa argue that UMG’s actions have successfully frozen their potential to revenue from their very own work whereas additionally diminishing the worth of their catalog. The lawsuit accuses UMG of “conversion” — wrongfully exercising management over their property — and seeks declaratory aid, damages, and a everlasting injunction to cease UMG from interfering with their rights.

The go well with additionally highlights the duo’s enduring affect, noting that their recordings have earned tens of millions in royalties and sync offers through the years and proceed to resonate with new generations of followers. Their 1987 hit “Push It” alone has been streamed greater than 210 million instances on Spotify.

Their induction into the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame this November will make Salt-N-Pepa solely the second feminine hip-hop act to obtain the dignity, a milestone they are saying underscores the significance of securing management over their legacy.

“This battle is about greater than contracts — it’s about legacy, justice, and the way forward for artist possession,” their assertion continues.

A spokesperson for UMG didn’t instantly reply to ipromiseyoumedia’s request for remark.