Salt-N-Pepa Claim UMG Pulled Them from Streaming Services in Retaliation for Trying to Reclaim Rights to Their Hits: Lawsuit

Salt-N-Pepa Take Legal Action Against UMG for Allegedly Removing Their Music as Retaliation

Iconic rap duo Salt-N-Pepa, known for hits such as ‘Push It,’ ‘Shoop,’ and ‘Let’s Talk About Sex,’ have filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG). They accuse UMG of pulling their music from streaming platforms in retaliation for their attempts to reclaim ownership of their master recordings.

The legal battle stems from Salt-N-Pepa’s decision to exercise their rights under the U.S. Copyright Act, which allows artists to reclaim control of their music 35 years after signing away the rights. Despite notifying UMG of their intentions in 2022, the label allegedly rejected the notices and subsequently removed their songs from major U.S. streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.

As the duo prepares for their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year, Salt-N-Pepa find themselves embroiled in a fight to assert their rights over their music catalog. The complaint filed in New York federal court outlines how UMG’s actions have hindered their ability to profit from their work and devalued their catalog, which includes timeless hits that have resonated with audiences for decades.

Salt-N-Pepa’s legal representatives issued a statement emphasising the significance of the duo’s contributions to music and culture. They argue that UMG’s actions not only infringe on their rights but also silence years of groundbreaking work that has shaped the music industry. The lawsuit accuses UMG of “conversion,” a term used to describe the wrongful exercise of control over someone else’s property.

The legal action seeks declaratory relief, damages, and a permanent injunction to prevent UMG from further interfering with Salt-N-Pepa’s rights. It underlines the duo’s enduring influence, highlighting the millions of royalties and sync deals their recordings have generated over the years. Their music continues to attract new generations of fans, with tracks like ‘Push It’ amassing over 210 million streams on Spotify alone.

The impending induction of Salt-N-Pepa into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame serves as a reminder of their trailblazing impact in a genre historically dominated by male artists. Becoming only the second female hip-hop act to receive this honour, the duo views this recognition as further validation of the importance of safeguarding their musical legacy.

In response to the legal action, a spokesperson for UMG has not yet provided a comment on the matter. The unfolding dispute between Salt-N-Pepa and UMG underscores a broader conversation within the music industry about artist ownership, legacy, and the fair treatment of creatives who have contributed significantly to the cultural landscape.

As the legal proceedings continue, Salt-N-Pepa remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice and control over their music. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for artists seeking to reclaim ownership of their creative works and assert their rights in an industry often fraught with complex legal challenges.