Music – 21 minutes ago
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90s hip-hop duo Black Sheep have filed a class-action lawsuit against Universal Music Group over unpaid royalties in their contract with Spotify.
90’s hip hop group black sheep It’s raising $750 million to target Universal Music Group.according to rolling stone The rap duo has filed a hefty class-action lawsuit against Universal over unpaid royalties due to an alleged side deal with Spotify, according to a report released Wednesday. Black Sheep made up of members Andres “Dress” Vargas Titus When William “Mr. Ships” McLeanUMG claims it owes itself and its entire artist roster more than $750 million for breaking a deal with a music streaming platform with a “lover” deal.
Titus and McLean also allege that UMG received cash and company stock from Spotify in exchange for the artists’ music, but only “shortchanged” the artists in distributing the royalty payments. In the lawsuit, Titus and McLean said the “previously undisclosed” deal violated their agreement with former Universal subsidiary Polygram. You must pay 50% of all net income you make.
“In the mid-2000s, Universal signed a private lover deal with Spotify, in which Universal agreed to accept significantly lower royalty payments on behalf of artists in exchange for a stake in Spotify (the fledgling streaming service at the time). I did,” the document said. “Yet, rather than giving artists 50% of Spotify’s stock or paying them true and accurate royalties, Universal has changed artists over the years, and has made claims against plaintiffs and class formations. Members have been deprived of full royalty payments due under Universal’s agreement.”
in response to rolling stonea UMG spokesperson called the allegations “false and ridiculous.”
“Universal Music Group’s innovative leadership has delivered renewed growth in the music ecosystem, benefiting recording artists, songwriters and creators around the world.” The claim that it has a proven track record and takes fairness at the expense of artists’ compensation is plainly false and absurd, and as this is a pending lawsuit, we are unable to comment on all aspects of the complaint. ”