Latest news with #PushIt
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Salt-N-Pepa accuse UMG of blocking masters ahead of Rock Hall induction
Hip-Hop pioneers Salt-N-Pepa have filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the label of withholding their original master recordings and removing their music from major U.S. streaming platforms. The group claims the actions are an attempt to undermine their upcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, scheduled for November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. According to the complaint, UMG has refused to return the two-inch physical master tapes containing the highest-quality versions of their albums and singles, despite multiple formal requests. The tapes remain in UMG's possession in a secure facility. Salt-N-Pepa argue these masters hold significant artistic and financial value. The dispute reportedly escalated after the group sought to reclaim their copyrights under Section 203 of the Copyright Act. The lawsuit alleges UMG responded by halting U.S. exploitation of their sound recordings, effectively removing hit tracks such as 'Push It' from streaming services. The group says this action has reduced their revenue and public visibility just months before their induction. Attorney Heidi G. Crikelair, representing Salt-N-Pepa, stated that UMG 'does not have the power to unilaterally decide when an artist is entitled to termination' and described the label's actions as pressure tactics. Salt-N-Pepa are seeking damages and the immediate return of their masters, accusing UMG of conversion and federal copyright violations. Known for breaking barriers as the first female rap group to go platinum in the U.S., they will become only the second female Hip-Hop act inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The case highlights ongoing tensions between artists and labels over ownership rights and control of music catalogs.
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
Salt-N-Pepa claim Universal Music Group is blocking its music from streaming amid legal battle
The women behind Salt-N-Pepa, the history-making female hip-hop group, claim that Universal Music Group has removed some of their biggest hits from streaming platforms amid a legal battle. Cheryl "Salt" James and Sandra "Pepa" Denton said in a new interview with " Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts that their fans are not able to hear some of their music amid the lawsuit, in which the singers claim Universal Music Group is allegedly denying them the rights to the master recordings of their early music, including hits like "Push It." "It just keeps us from re-releasing our music -- promotin' it," Denton told Roberts in the interview, which aired Monday on "GMA." Denton and James claim that Universal is allegedly violating federal copyright law by refusing to allow them to exercise their so-called "termination rights," which allows artists to reclaim the copyright to their original recordings after a period of time, according to the U.S. Copyright Office. "When you're an artist, in the beginning, you sign a contract saying that the copyrights will revert back to you after 35 years," James said. "And we've done all the things legally to get our copyrights back. But they're just refusing, so we had to sue them." "It's the law. That's what it really boils down to. It's the law," Denton added. The Grammy Award-winning duo filed the lawsuit against Universal Music Group in May in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Universal Music Group has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming in part that Salt-N-Pepa cannot exercise their "termination rights" because they were not the ones who signed the relevant contract. The company declined to comment to ABC News citing the active litigation. Denton and James told Roberts that they are the artists, and they believe the copyright law is meant to "protect the artists." "We didn't have that leverage. We didn't have that knowledge. We didn't have that control in the '80s. And so, to be held to a contract from 1985, and 40 years later, it's, like, ridiculous," said James. Denton said she believes Universal Music Group is allegedly holding onto their music because they know its "worth." "Obviously, it's something. They wanna keep it. They wanna hold onto it. And they're tryin' to fight us," she claimed. "So, obviously, they understand what's the worth of that." The duo's lawsuit against Universal Music Group comes as they are preparing for a high point in their career, receiving the Musical Influence Award at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony this November. Salt-N-Pepa will make history as the first hip-hop act to receive the coveted award. "It's an amazing feeling, because ... it's for your music, not just one hit," Denton said of the honor. "It's about your journey, your legacy, what you have done, you know, the influence that you had ... 40 years and we're still here." Amid both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honor and the ongoing lawsuit, the boundary-breaking artists told Roberts they want to be remembered for staying true to who they are. "Authenticity, especially in art, I think, leads to longevity. And I feel like that's a big part of why people took to Salt-N-Pepa, because we are authentic," James said. "And I wanna inspire women, inspire and encourage women to be themselves, to go for it, you know? And to not be afraid to knock down barriers in the workplace, in the world, whatever you're doing. Just be strong."
IOL News
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Tweeting trouble: fans react to Sizwe Dhlomo's claim about K. O's dominance
Sizwe Dhlomo gives rapper K.O his flowers. Image: Instagram Radio personality Sizwe Dhlomo sang rapper KO's praises in a recent tweet. According to Dhlomo, KO has no living competition in the South African hip-hop scene, and fans are agreeing with this assessment. Being a hip hop enthusiast himself, the Kaya 959 radio host took to X and posted: 'KO has no living competition.' Fans have taken to the comment section to express their admiration for K.O, with many agreeing that he is indeed the best rapper in South Africa today. They praise his authenticity, creativity, consistency and commitment to telling stories that need to be told. X user @papizwane2 commented: 'I gotta agree. He continued to drop new music even when SA hip hop was effectively dead! To the point where I don't even know how many hits he has. Endless class' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ I gotta agree. He continued to drop new music even when SA hip hop was effectively dead! To the point where I don't even know which how many hits he has Endless. Class — Dr NGITHE Nginentombi (YMCMB; WWE SABC)✋🏾🙄 (@papizwane2) May 28, 2025 'Catalogue, flow, longevity, relevance, etc. He is light years ahead of the rest in his genre,' said @Chad_mlimo. Catalogue, flow, Longevity, relevance etc. he is light years ahead of the rest in his genre — Zinx💫 (@Chad_mlimo) May 29, 2025 While @JCubez said: 'The man has never stopped since that verse on 'Chance' in 2006 🔥.' The man has never stopped Since that verse on "Chance" in 2006🔥 — Jamie Cubez (@JCubez) May 29, 2025 The 44-year-old rapper's impact in the hip hop game has been undeniable as well as remarkable, with his thought-provoking lyrics and his distinct 'skhanda' flow, his music has resonated with many fans across the country. His ability to tackle complex social issues and tell stories that reflect the experiences of many South Africans has earned him a loyal following. Songs like 'Push It' and 'SETE' showcase his versatility, which has also garnered him global recognition with multiple BET Awards nominations. Additionally, the 'Let Me Cook' hitmaker has been in the industry for over ten years and has managed to keep his relevance and consistency, staying true to hip-hop without flinching. He started out as part of the trio Teargas and even after going solo, he kept producing fire music that still resonates with fans to this day. Not everyone agrees with this assessment, however. Some fans argued that there are other talented rappers in South Africa who could potentially rival K.O's skills and popularity. They point to artists who have also made significant contributions to the local hip hop scene and have a strong following. 'KO? Nah, bro. He is good, but not that good. I know this could sound silly, but Emtee is who I roll with. Nigga is so talented,' said @Uncle_Sbu07 KO? Nah, bro. He is good, but not that good. I know this could sound silly, but Emtee is who I roll with. Nigga is so talented. — Uncle Sbu (@Uncle_Sbu07) May 28, 2025 'Cass did it better than KO, AKA did it better than KO, Prokid did it better than KO and HHP did it better than KO. But big up for him for his longevity,' @cheeseBoySA4 added. Cass did it better than KO AKA did it better than KO Prokid did it better than KO HHP did it better than KO But big up for him for his longevity — Sir Paptaaa (@cheeseBoySA4) May 28, 2025
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Salt-N-Pepa Sue UMG to Regain Masters, Allege Label 'Punished' Them by Pulling Songs from Streaming
The post Salt-N-Pepa Sue UMG to Regain Masters, Allege Label 'Punished' Them by Pulling Songs from Streaming appeared first on Consequence. Trailblazing hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) on Monday, alleging the label is violating copyright law by refusing to turn over the rights to their master recordings and has retaliated by pulling their early music from streaming services. As reported by Billboard, Cheryl 'Salt' James and Sandra 'Pepa' Denton filed the lawsuit in New York federal court. They claim UMG has 'refused to honor' their 'termination rights' under Section 203 of the Copyright Act, which allows artists to reclaim ownership of their recordings 35 years after a song's initial release. Salt-N-Pepa's first three albums are currently unavailable on Spotify and Apple Music, while re-recordings are the only way to hear their breakout hit, 'Push It.' Popular Posts Trump Warns Springsteen: "He Ought to Keep His Mouth Shut Until He's Back Into the Country" New Reality TV Show That Sees immigrants Compete for US Citizenship Has Backing of Trump Administration: Report Holy Shit, You Have to See Footage from System of a Down's Concert in Brazil Bruce Springsteen Gives Trump the Middle Finger with Another Defiant Concert Guns N' Roses Share Video of Axl Rose Repeatedly Falling Onstage: Watch Nathan Fielder's The Rehearsal Tackles Autism — Thanks to a Consequence Article Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
New York Post
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Salt-N-Pepa sue record label to reclaim rights to their recordings including ‘Push It'
Salt-N-Pepa are telling their record label not to push it as they fight for the rights to their music. The groundbreaking duo behind hip-hop classics, including 1993's 'Shoop' and 1987's 'Push It' says in a lawsuit that Universal Music Group is violating copyright law by refusing to agree to turn over the rights to their master recordings. Cheryl 'Salt' James and Sandra 'Pepa' Denton filed the lawsuit in federal court in New York on Monday, asserting that the Copyright Act of 1976, which says that after several decades artists can terminate previous agreements and reclaim ownership of their recordings, clearly now applies to them. Advertisement 4 Sandra Denton and Cheryl James of Salt-N-Pepa attend the Room to Read 2025 New York Gala on May 13, 2025, in New York City. Getty Images for Room to Read The fight, which has led to UMG pulling Salt-N-Pepa's music from streaming services, comes as many artists with beloved legacies are making lucrative sales of their catalogs, while others get stuck in classic record-label battles over old contracts. '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,' the suit says. UMG representatives did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Advertisement The lawsuit suggests that situations like Salt-N-Pepa's are the very reason the provision of the copyright act exists. It allows artists who made deals 'at the beginning of their careers' when they were relatively powerless to use the cultural standing and musical legacy they later established. The suit says James and Denton filed to terminate their agreement under the law in 2022, 'eager to retake full ownership of their art and legacy,' but that, 'Inexplicably, UMG has refused to honor' their rights. Advertisement 4 Denton, DJ Spinderella, and James (from left to right), attended a ceremony honoring Salt-N-Pepa with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Nov. 4, 2022, in Los Angeles. Invision James and Denton say that by law, they should now be able to own early recordings, including those from their 1986 debut album, 'Hot, Cool & Vicious,' and 1987's 'Push It,' a B-side whose remix caught on and became their breakthrough hit. They say other recordings should legally be theirs later this year and in 2026, including the 1993 album 'Very Necessary,' which includes 'Shoop' and 'Whatta Man.' The duo is seeking both actual damages for money lost and punitive damages in amounts to be determined for UMG's actions. The suit says actual damages could 'well exceed $1 million.' Advertisement 4 The groundbreaking duo behind hip-hop classics says in a lawsuit that Universal Music Group is violating copyright law by refusing to agree to turn over the rights to their master recordings. Getty Images for Room to Read They also want a permanent injunction confirming their rights to the recordings. They said by pulling the songs from streaming and other commercial platforms, the label has 'maliciously punished' Salt-N-Pepa 'for daring to assert their rights.' The label's lawyers said in letters included as exhibits in the lawsuit that they have encouraged mediation and want to reach a 'mutually acceptable resolution.' But the UMG lawyers said in the letters that James and Denton were not even personally parties in the 1986 agreement that covered their initial albums, and there is no evidence that they granted the label copyright that they can now reclaim. UMG maintains that the recordings were 'works made for hire,' which would not allow for the reclaiming of rights. Salt-N-Pepa's lawsuit says the women's agreements with the label make it very clear that they were not. The Queens, New York, duo of James and Denton became Salt-N-Pepa in 1985. Advertisement They were later joined by DJ Spinderella, who was not part of the early agreements under dispute and is not involved in the lawsuit. 'Salt-N-Pepa boldly changed the look of rap and hip-hop,' the lawsuit says. 'They were not afraid to talk about sex and to share their thoughts about men. Their sound recordings 'Let's Talk About Sex' and 'None of Your Business,' for example, were huge hits. They talked candidly about women's sexuality and empowerment when such topics were frowned upon, heavily criticized, and called taboo.' 4 Cheryl 'Salt' James (left) and Sandra 'Pepa' Denton (right) filed the lawsuit in federal court in New York on Monday, asserting that the Copyright Act of 1976 now applies to them. Brian Zak/NY Post Advertisement In 1995, they became the first female rap group to win a Grammy, and in 2021, they received a Grammy lifetime achievement award. Later this year, they'll become members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when they receive the organization's Musical Influence Award.
