Salt-N-Pepa are suing Universal Music Group for pulling their music after they invoked their legal right to reclaim ownership of classic recordings.
At a Glance
- Salt-N-Pepa have sued Universal Music Group to reclaim their master recordings under the Copyright Act’s termination rights
- UMG allegedly retaliated by removing their music from major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music
- The duo followed legal procedures to reclaim their recordings 35 years after signing away rights, as allowed by U.S. law
- The pioneering hip-hop group is seeking damages potentially exceeding $1 million and a permanent injunction against UMG
- This case highlights the ongoing battle between artists and major labels over music ownership and legacy control
Legal Rights Meet Corporate Retaliation
Salt-N-Pepa, the groundbreaking hip-hop duo behind hits like “Push It” and “Shoop,” are locked in a legal battle with Universal Music Group after invoking their rights under the U.S. Copyright Act to reclaim ownership of their early recordings. In response, UMG has allegedly removed their catalog from streaming services in what the artists call an act of retaliation. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, accuses UMG of using its platform dominance to punish the artists for asserting their legal rights.
The Copyright Act of 1976 permits creators to regain control of their work 35 years after signing away their rights. Salt-N-Pepa claim they followed all required steps, notifying UMG in 2022 of their intent to reclaim ownership. Instead of negotiating, they allege UMG removed tracks from Spotify and Apple Music, cutting off access to music that helped shape modern hip-hop.
Watch a report: Salt-N-Pepa sue UMG after music pulled.
Corporate Control vs. Creative Legacy
UMG’s defense leans on the assertion that Salt-N-Pepa’s recordings were “works for hire,” and therefore not subject to termination. But the artists argue this is a well-worn tactic used by labels to retain control of lucrative catalogs long past fair commercial terms. “UMG has indicated that it will hold Plaintiffs’ rights hostage even if it means tanking the value of Plaintiffs’ music catalogue,” their lawsuit claims.
This clash underscores broader tensions in the music industry, where legacy artists are increasingly asserting control over their past works. Salt-N-Pepa, trailblazers for women in hip-hop, have won Grammys and are set to become only the second female rap act inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Despite these honors, their legal team says UMG continues to treat them as “content providers” rather than cultural icons.
A Fight for More Than Money
Salt-N-Pepa are seeking over $1 million in damages and a permanent injunction to prevent UMG from interfering with their rights. But the lawsuit signals a larger movement aimed at reshaping artist-label dynamics. “This fight is about more than contracts — it’s about legacy, justice, and the future of artist ownership,” their attorneys argue.
The case has reignited calls for greater federal oversight to protect artists invoking termination rights. Critics argue that without stronger enforcement, labels can simply use economic leverage to suppress artists’ access to their own work. For Salt-N-Pepa, whose music remains foundational in hip-hop’s evolution, the stakes are cultural as much as financial.
“As they prepare to make history as only the second female hip-hop act ever inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” said a spokesperson, “Salt-N-Pepa are also fighting to reclaim rightful ownership of their iconic, barrier-breaking music.”
