Salt-N-Pepa Fight UMG for Masters, Allege Music Pulled from Streaming in Retaliation
Salt-N-Pepa, the groundbreaking female hip-hop duo, are locked in a legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) over the rights to their master recordings. The lawsuit alleges that UMG is violating copyright law by refusing to relinquish control of their intellectual property, even after the duo filed notices of termination in 2022 to reclaim their rights after 35 years, as permitted by the Copyright Act.
The core of the dispute centers around the 1976 Copyright Act, which allows artists to reclaim ownership of their recordings after a certain period. Salt-N-Pepa filed notices to terminate their agreements, hoping to regain control of iconic tracks like "Push It," "Shoop," and albums like Hot, Cool & Vicious and Very Necessary. However, UMG has allegedly refused to honor these notices.
According to the lawsuit, UMG has taken a drastic step: removing Salt-N-Pepa’s music from major streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. The duo's legal representatives claim this is a "stunning act of retaliation," punishing them for asserting their rights and silencing decades of culture-shifting work.
"[They’re] punishing them for asserting those rights and silencing decades of culture-shifting work," the reps wrote. "Like many artists, they’re challenging a system that profits from their work while denying them control. This fight is about more than contracts—it’s about legacy, justice, and the future of artist ownership."
UMG, in its defense, argues that they retain the exclusive right to exploit the sound recordings. Their legal team stated in a June 2022 response letter that the duo should refrain from interfering with UMG’s continuing rights.
The dispute goes beyond just the legalities. Salt-N-Pepa's lawsuit highlights their significant cultural impact. They broke barriers in hip-hop, addressing topics like sex and female empowerment, which were often considered taboo. Tracks like "Let’s Talk About Sex" and "None of Your Business" became anthems, solidifying their place in music history.
The lawsuit also emphasizes the ongoing value of Salt-N-Pepa’s catalog, generating millions in royalties and sync deals. Their 1987 hit "Push It" alone has been streamed over 210 million times on Spotify. This underscores the significance of the master rights at stake.
The timing of this legal battle is particularly noteworthy, as Salt-N-Pepa are set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year. This honor underscores their lasting influence on music and culture, making the fight for control over their legacy all the more critical.
The duo is seeking actual damages, potentially exceeding $1 million, as well as a permanent injunction to confirm their rights to the songs. They aim to reach a “mutually acceptable resolution,” but are prepared to fight for what they believe is rightfully theirs.
This legal battle raises crucial questions about artist ownership and the power dynamics between artists and major labels. Is it just that artists should regain control of their work after decades, or do labels have a right to continue profiting from the music they invested in? What's more, with so many deals regarding the sale of song catalogs in recent years, will this case set a precedent for music ownership in the future?
What are your thoughts on the Salt-N-Pepa vs. UMG dispute? Should artists have the right to reclaim their master recordings? Share your opinions in the comments below.
