Latest news with #SandraDenton
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hip-hop legends accuse record label of holding music catalogue ‘hostage'
Groundbreaking hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa is fighting for the rights to their music catalogue after claiming their record label is holding it 'hostage.' Cheryl 'Salt' James and Sandra 'Pepa' Denton filed a lawsuit in New York federal court Monday accusing Universal Music Group of refusing to agree to hand over the rights to the duo's master recordings, the Associated Press reported. Salt-N-Pepa said UMG is violating the copyright act of 1976. The law states that artists can terminate previous agreements and reclaim ownership of their recordings after several decades. Under this law, James and Denton believe they should now be able to own their early recordings. These include those from their 1986 debut album, 'Hot, Cool & Vicious' — which contains the duo's breakthrough hit 'Push It' — and tracks from the 1993 album 'Very Necessary,' which includes 'Shoop' and 'Whatta Man.' James and Denton originally filed to terminate their agreement in 2022, saying they were 'eager to retake full ownership of their art and legacy,' the AP reported. However, the lawsuit claims that UMG 'has refused to honor' their rights. '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 lawsuit reads, according to the AP. UMG representatives did not immediately respond to the AP's request for comment. The record label's lawyers have insisted that Salt-N-Pepa's recording were 'works made for hire' and thus cannot be reclaimed. However, the lawsuit indicates the women's agreements with UMG made it very clear that was not the case. James and Denton are seeking both actual damages for money lost and punitive damages that could 'well exceed $1 million,' according to the AP. The women also want a permanent injunction that confirms they own their master recordings. Boston Calling's indoor arena returns after 6 years: Here's what to expect Where to buy cheapest Post Malone tickets to the Gillette Stadium show Country music star gives emotional speech on stage after incurable disease diagnosis 'I was fired': Drummer for legendary rock band refused to say he quit before farewell tour Live Wire: Fourth annual 'Bow Bow Bash' to raise funds for music education Read the original article on MassLive.
The Guardian
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Salt-N-Pepa sue Universal over ownership of master recordings
The pop-rap group Salt-N-Pepa have sued Universal Music Group as they try to regain control over their master recordings. Salt-N-Pepa are known for irrepressible hits across the 1980s and 1990s such as Push It and Let's Talk About Sex, which both reached No 2 in the UK and the US Top 20. Cheryl James and Sandra Denton, the original members of the group prior to DJ Spinderella joining, are citing a clause in the US Copyright Act which allows artists who have transferred their copyright to another party to reclaim it after 35 years. In 2022, the pair filed termination notices, aiming to end UMG's ownership of their early recordings. But in their lawsuit, they claim that UMG has said those termination notices are not valid because Salt-N-Pepa's songs were 'works made for hire' and so the duo cannot reclaim the rights. 'UMG appears to take the position that it can unilaterally decide when and/or if a recording artist is entitled to termination. This is not the law, and UMG does not have this power,' the lawsuit states. The group's first two albums, 1986's Hot, Cool & Vicious and 1988's A Salt With a Deadly Pepa, were removed from streaming services between May and July 2024. Denton and James allege that was a 'punitive measure' by UMG, saying the company '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'. They claim they lost out on 'substantial royalties' when the catalogue was offline. The duo have claimed that rights to their 1990 album Blacks' Magic should have returned to them in March, are they also looking to win back the rights to later albums in May 2026. Denton and James are seeking financial damages, and an injunction against UMG infringing on their copyright. UMG have responded, saying: 'Salt-N-Pepa's own legal filings demonstrate the repeated attempts we have made to resolve this matter amicably (including offers to enter into a mediation) ever since the artists served an invalid termination notice. 'Although we had no legal obligation to do so, we still sought to find a way to improve the artists' compensation and pay them directly – even after they had sold their royalty streams to a third party. 'Clearly, the artists' legal counsel thinks they can use the threat of negative media coverage from the lawsuit to achieve their unreasonable demands. Despite this, and consistent with our longstanding practice, we remain committed to working towards an amicable resolution.' Though they haven't released an album since 1997's Brand New, Salt-N-Pepa have continued to tour, with their most recent dates in 2023. They were among the first women to win a Grammy for a rap performance, in 1995 for the track None of Your Business, taken from the album Very Necessary. Two other tracks from the album reached the US Top Five, Shoop and the En Vogue collaboration Whatta Man. They were given a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2021, and earlier this year were included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's musical influence category.
Toronto Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Salt-N-Pepa sue record label to reclaim rights to recordings, including 'Push It'
Published May 19, 2025 • 3 minute read Sandra Denton (Pepa), from left, DJ Spinderella, and Cheryl James (Salt) attend a ceremony honouring Salt-N-Pepa with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, in Los Angeles. Photo by Richard Shotwell / Invision Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Salt-N-Pepa are telling their record label not to push it as they fight for the rights to their music. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The groundbreaking duo behind hip-hop classics including 1993's 'Shoop' and 1987's 'Push It' say 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. 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. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. '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. 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. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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.' 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.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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. They were later joined by DJ Spinderella, who was not part of the early agreements under dispute and is not involved in the lawsuit. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. '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.' 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.
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
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 1983's 'Shoop' and 1987's 'Push It' say 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. 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. 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. 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.' 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. 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.' 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. ___ AP Music Writer Maria Sherman contributed to this report.
Associated Press
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
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 1983's 'Shoop' and 1987's 'Push It' say 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. 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. 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. 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.' 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. 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.' 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. ___ AP Music Writer Maria Sherman contributed to this report.
