Salt-N-Pepa Advocate for Music Rights in Lawsuit Against UMG

In a recent legal action, the influential hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa, known for iconic tracks like “Shoop” and “Push It,” has urged record labels to reconsider their approach to music rights. They claim that Universal Music Group (UMG) is violating copyright laws by not taking on the rights to their master recordings.

Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton filed their lawsuit on Monday in a New York federal court, asserting that the 1976 Copyright Act permits artists to terminate prior agreements to reclaim ownership of their recordings after many years.

This conflict escalated to the point where Salt-N-Pepa’s music was removed from their own streaming service. It reflects a broader trend where many artists, faced with the option of selling their catalogs, find themselves wrestling with classic record labels over ownership rights.

The lawsuit highlights UMG’s actions as detrimental, indicating that the company is willing to devalue the duo’s catalog and hold their rights “hostage,” which could deprive fans of access to their music.

A spokesperson for UMG has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The suit argues that situations like this underline the importance of copyright law. It serves to enable artists who initially signed contracts when they were less empowered in their careers to reclaim their legacies.

James and Denton assert their right to own their early works, including their debut album “Hot, Cool & Vicious” and the hit “Push It.” They believe additional recordings can become theirs in the near future.

The duo is seeking damages for lost profits, estimated to exceed $1 million, along with a permanent injunction to affirm their rights to the recordings.

By withdrawing their songs from commercial platforms, UMG is accused of punishing Salt-N-Pepa for asserting their rights.

In correspondence included in the lawsuit, UMG’s lawyers suggested mediation in hopes of arriving at a satisfactory solution. However, it appears there is no documentation indicating that UMG has relinquished copyright in a way that would allow reclamation, as per the agreement from 1986 regarding their first album.

UMG contends that the recordings are considered “works made for hire,” limiting the possibility of reclaiming rights. Salt-N-Pepa’s lawsuit counters this claim, referencing a prior agreement that disputes UMG’s assertions.

Originating from Queens, New York, Salt-N-Pepa formed in 1985. DJ Spinderella, who is involved in a separate dispute, is not part of this lawsuit.

The lawsuit emphasizes how Salt-N-Pepa has reshaped the rap and hip-hop landscape, famously pushing boundaries in their discussions of sexuality and relationships. Tracks like “Let’s Talk About Sex” and “None of Your Business” were groundbreaking in their themes.

In 1995, they became the first female rap group to win a Grammy, and they received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.

Later this year, they are set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where they will be honored with the Musical Influence Award.