Hip-hop icons Salt-N-Pepa have launched a legal battle against Universal Music Group to regain control of their master recordings, only to find their music pulled from major streaming platforms in what they claim is blatant retaliation.
At a Glance
- Salt-N-Pepa sued Universal Music Group to reclaim rights to their master recordings under U.S. Copyright Act termination provisions
- UMG allegedly removed the group’s music from major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music after they filed termination notices
- The duo is seeking damages potentially exceeding $1 million and a permanent injunction against UMG’s interference
- Salt-N-Pepa will become only the second female hip-hop act inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year
- The case highlights growing tensions between record labels and artists seeking to regain control of their creative works
Grammy Winners Fight for Music Ownership
Legendary hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group in New York federal court, demanding the return of their master recordings, including iconic hits like “Push It.” Cheryl James (Salt) and Sandra Denton (Pepa) are utilizing termination rights under the Copyright Act of 1976, which allows musicians to reclaim ownership of their works 35 years after signing away the rights. The pioneering female rap group notified UMG of their intention to exercise these rights in 2022, but claim the label has refused to honor their legal entitlement.
According to court documents, UMG not only rejected their termination notices but also allegedly took punitive action by removing their music from major U.S. streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music. The lawsuit argues this represents a direct attack on the artists’ livelihoods and legacy, effectively “freezing” their ability to profit from decades of creative work. Salt-N-Pepa are seeking actual and punitive damages potentially exceeding $1 million, along with a permanent injunction confirming their ownership rights.
Record Label Claims and Counter-Arguments
At the heart of the dispute is UMG’s classification of Salt-N-Pepa’s recordings as “works made for hire,” a designation that would exempt these works from termination rights under copyright law. The duo vehemently disputes this characterization, maintaining they were independent artists who created their music outside of traditional employee relationships. Their lawsuit specifically targets recordings including their debut album “Hot, Cool & Vicious” and the multi-platinum 1993 release “Very Necessary,” which featured hits like “Shoop” and “Whatta Man.”
“UMG has indicated that it will hold Plaintiffs’ rights hostage even if it means tanking the value of Plaintiffs’ music catalogue and depriving their fans of access to their work” – Salt-N-Pepa lawsuit.
The legal battle represents more than just a contractual dispute; it highlights the ongoing tension between major record labels and artists seeking to regain control of their creative output. This case joins a growing trend of musicians challenging traditional music industry power structures, with artists increasingly aware of and assertive about their rights. UMG has not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit, maintaining silence as the controversy unfolds.
A Legacy At Stake
Salt-N-Pepa’s influence on American music and culture extends far beyond their commercial success. As the first female rap group to win a Grammy Award in 1995, they broke barriers in a male-dominated industry and addressed topics like women’s empowerment and sexuality with unprecedented candor. Their music continues to resonate with new generations, with “Push It” alone garnering over 210 million streams on Spotify. This cultural impact earned them a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.
“As they prepare to make history as only the second female hip-hop act ever inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Salt-N-Pepa are also fighting to reclaim rightful ownership of their iconic, barrier-breaking music,” – Salt-N-Pepa’s legal representatives.
Later this year, Salt-N-Pepa will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Musical Influence Award, cementing their status as pioneers whose impact transcends genre boundaries. Their legal representatives emphasize that the current battle is fundamentally about preserving this legacy for future generations and establishing precedent for artist ownership. As the case proceeds through the courts, it may significantly impact how termination rights are interpreted and applied across the music industry, potentially influencing similar disputes between artists and labels.
