Salt-N-Pepa Fight for Rights to Their Music
Salt-N-Pepa are in a legal fight to reclaim ownership of their master recordings. The hip-hop legends, Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton, sued Universal Music Group (UMG) in May. They argue the label is refusing to honor their “termination rights.” This right allows artists to regain control of their music 35 years after its release.
UMG responded on July 17 with a motion to dismiss the case. The label says the duo’s claims are legally invalid. UMG argues Salt-N-Pepa were not part of the original 1986 record deal.
UMG Says Salt-N-Pepa Never Signed the Original Deal
According to UMG, Salt-N-Pepa’s 1986 distribution agreement with Next Plateau Records was signed by producer Hurby “Luv Bug” Azor. The company states, “There was never an intention to effectuate a copyright transfer from plaintiffs.” UMG insists only the producer transferred rights, making the duo’s termination notice invalid.
The label also referenced a past class action case involving termination rights. A federal judge ruled those rights apply only to artists who signed their deals directly. UMG says Salt-N-Pepa’s lawyers were part of that case but are ignoring the ruling now.
Why Termination Rights Matter for Artists
Termination rights are a key part of U.S. copyright law. They give artists the chance to reclaim ownership decades after signing over rights. This law was designed to protect creators and their legacy. Salt-N-Pepa believe UMG is blocking them from that protection.
Their albums include Hot, Cool & Vicious, A Salt With A Deadly Pepa, and Very Necessary. These records shaped hip-hop history. However, UMG says the duo has no right to terminate the grant since they never signed it.
UMG Also Raises Remix Ownership Issues
UMG argues that even if Salt-N-Pepa had legal rights, remixes are not covered. Many songs cited in the lawsuit include remixed versions like “Push It” and “Expression.” The label claims its ownership of these derivative works cannot be terminated.
UMG also asked the court to delay discovery until a ruling is made. They say gathering documents from nearly 40 years ago would be time-consuming and costly.
Salt-N-Pepa Respond With Determination
A spokesperson for Salt-N-Pepa says the law is on their side. “The Copyright Act was designed to give artists the chance to reclaim ownership of their work, which is precisely what Salt-N-Pepa have been attempting to do, and UMG continues to resist.”
They added, “UMG’s response is just what we expected — an effort to avoid addressing the core issues. But we remain confident that the facts and the law are on our side.”
