Salt-N-Pepa sued Universal Music Group after the record label allegedly pulled their music in retaliation
They filed a lawsuit against UMG in New York federal court on Monday, accusing the label of refusing to honor their legal right to reclaim ownership of their master recordings under the U.S. Copyright Act
Their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this November will make Salt-N-Pepa only the second female hip-hop act to receive the honor
Salt-N-Pepa are headed to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year, but the trailblazing rap duo is also waging a major legal battle to reclaim the rights to their music catalog.
Cheryl James and Sandra Denton, known famously as Salt-N-Pepa, filed a lawsuit on Monday, May 19, in New York federal court against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the label of refusing to honor their legal right to reclaim ownership of their master recordings under the U.S. Copyright Act — and retaliating by pulling their music from streaming platforms.
The complaint, obtained by PEOPLE, explains that Salt-N-Pepa followed a copyright law that lets artists take back control of their music 35 years after signing away the rights, and they officially notified Universal of their decision in 2022. According to the suit, UMG rejected the notices and subsequently removed “Push It,” “Shoop,” “Let’s Talk About Sex” and the group’s other songs from major U.S. streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music while allegedly continuing to claim ownership of the recordings.
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Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton (L), Deirdre ‘Spinderella’ Roper (C), and Cheryl ‘Salt’ James (R).
“As they prepare to make history as only the second female hip-hop act ever inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Salt-N-Pepa are also fighting to reclaim rightful ownership of their iconic, barrier-breaking music,” a statement by Salt-N-Pepa’s legal representatives claims. “UMG has pulled their songs from all major platforms in the U.S., punishing them for asserting those rights and silencing decades of culture-shifting work.”
Salt-N-Pepa argue that UMG’s actions have effectively frozen their ability to profit from their own work while also diminishing the value of their catalog. The lawsuit accuses UMG of “conversion” — wrongfully exercising control over their property — and seeks declaratory relief, damages, and a permanent injunction to stop UMG from interfering with their rights.
The suit also highlights the duo’s enduring influence, noting that their recordings have earned millions in royalties and sync deals over the years and continue to resonate with new generations of fans. Their 1987 hit “Push It” alone has been streamed more than 210 million times on Spotify.
Their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this November will make Salt-N-Pepa only the second female hip-hop act to receive the honor, a milestone they say underscores the importance of securing control over their legacy.
“This fight is about more than contracts — it’s about legacy, justice, and the future of artist ownership,” their statement continues.
A spokesperson for UMG did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Read the original article on People
