Salt-N-Pepa Sue Universal Music Group Over Rights to Their Music Masters

Salt-N-Pepa accuse Universal Music Group of withholding control of their music, seeking to reclaim ownership under copyright law.

Salt-N-Pepa Take Legal Action Against Universal Music Group

Iconic hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa have taken a bold step by filing a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the label of unlawfully holding their music “hostage.” Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton, the remaining members after Deidra “Spinderella” Roper's departure in 2019, claim that UMG is refusing to honor their legal rights to reclaim ownership of their music’s intellectual property.

Salt-N-Pepa's complaint, filed in New York federal court on May 19, centers on their legal right under copyright law to take back control of their master recordings 35 years after signing away those rights. The duo issued notices of termination in 2022, aiming to regain their master rights, but UMG allegedly declined to comply.

Salt-N-Pepa: Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton

Allegations of Holding Masters “Hostage” and Removal From Streaming

The lawsuit states:

“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.”

This is especially troubling as some of Salt-N-Pepa’s biggest hits like Push It and Let’s Talk About Sex have reportedly been removed from major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. This move has effectively frozen their ability to profit from their own groundbreaking work and cut off fans' access to their music.

UMG has not yet responded publicly to this lawsuit.

Watch Salt-N-Pepa’s Classic Hit "Push It"

For those wanting a blast from the past, here’s the official video for Push It, one of Salt-N-Pepa’s signature tracks, reminding us why their music remains iconic:

Legal Representatives Speak Out

Salt-N-Pepa’s attorneys have issued a powerful statement emphasizing the stakes:

“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.

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.”

The duo is demanding:

• Return of the masters to their control
• Actual damages that could exceed $1 million
• A permanent injunction affirming their ownership rights

Trailblazers in Hip-Hop History

Salt-N-Pepa’s legacy is nothing short of monumental. Their 1986 debut album Hot, Cool & Vicious made them the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This trailblazing success paved the way for women in hip-hop.

Their upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this November will mark them as only the second female rap act to receive such an honor—cementing their influence in music history.

Friendship Like a Marriage

In a 2023 interview, the duo credited their enduring partnership to a friendship that’s “like a marriage.” Cheryl “Salt” James shared:

“We’re with each other more than we are with our own families. So it’s important to give each other space. It’s like a marriage. Sometimes we sleep in the bed together, and sometimes Pep sleeps on the couch.”

Salt-N-Pepa’s bond has stood the test of time.

The Battle for Ownership

This lawsuit highlights a growing tension in the music industry as artists seek to reclaim control over their creations. Copyright laws in the U.S. enable musicians to regain rights to their work decades after signing, but enforcement is often met with resistance from powerful labels.

Salt-N-Pepa’s fight is not just about money—it’s about preserving their cultural legacy and ensuring fans can continue to enjoy their music.

Conclusion

The Salt-N-Pepa versus Universal Music Group battle underscores the critical importance of artists’ rights in today’s music landscape. Will Salt-N-Pepa regain control of their music masters and restore their legacy to streaming platforms? Music fans everywhere will be watching closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Salt-N-Pepa suing Universal Music Group for?
  They are suing UMG for refusing to surrender the master rights to their music, which they legally filed to reclaim.
• Why are their songs removed from streaming platforms?
  According to the lawsuit, UMG removed their songs to pressure them and reduce the value of their music catalogue.
• What rights are Salt-N-Pepa trying to regain?
  They seek ownership of their master recordings and the ability to control how their music is distributed.
• What damages are they seeking?
  They are requesting damages potentially exceeding $1 million plus a permanent injunction affirming their rights.
• When will Salt-N-Pepa be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
  They are set to be inducted in November, becoming only the second female rap act to receive this honor.

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