Salt-N-Pepa are suing Universal Music Group, accusing the label of deliberately blocking access to their original master recordings and removing their music from major U.S. streaming platforms. The Grammy-winning rap duo claims the move is an intentional effort to damage their visibility ahead of their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this fall. AllHipHop broke the news on the lawsuit over the weekend.
In a complaint filed this week, Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton allege UMG has refused to return the physical two-inch master tapes containing the highest-quality versions of their albums and singles. According to the filing, the masters remain stored in a secure facility under UMG’s control, despite multiple formal requests for their release. The lawsuit describes the tapes as “incredibly rare” and the “original, highest quality” source material for the group’s recordings.
The legal dispute arises as the duo prepares for their November 8, 2025, induction ceremony at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, which will be streamed live on Disney+. Alongside DJ Spinderella, Salt-N-Pepa became the first female rap group to achieve platinum sales in the United States and will become only the second female hip-hop act to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The suit claims tensions with UMG escalated after the group sought to reclaim their recording rights under Section 203 of the Copyright Act. In response, UMG allegedly began pulling its catalog from U.S. streaming services, cutting off both public access and streaming revenue. The complaint states that the label “halted exploitation” of the recordings domestically, effectively removing their commercial value in the months leading up to the Hall of Fame ceremony.
Legal counsel for Salt-N-Pepa said UMG’s actions are intended to pressure her clients into abandoning their legal pursuit. “This is an effort by UMG to pressure Plaintiffs into giving up on their effort to recoup their rights,” said the group’s counsel, arguing that the label “does not have the power to decide unilaterally when an artist is entitled to termination under the law.”
The lawsuit also notes that the removal has stripped public access to hits like “Push It,” which the group calls a cultural staple. Salt-N-Pepa are seeking damages and the immediate return of their masters, accusing UMG of conversion and violating federal copyright law.
Leave a Reply