Salt-N-Pepa’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) has been dismissed by a federal judge in New York, marking a significant challenge to the iconic hip-hop duo’s efforts to regain ownership of their master recordings.
Group members Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton initiated the legal action, citing Section 203 of the Copyright Act, which permits creators to terminate certain copyright transfers after a specified period. They also alleged UMG retaliated by removing their music from streaming platforms following the lawsuit’s initial filing.
U.S. District Judge Denise Cote issued the ruling, focusing primarily on the original 1986 contract. Her decision indicated that James and Denton were unable to establish ownership of the master recordings under federal termination laws.
The court identified Noise In The Attic Productions, Inc. (NITA), created by producer Hurby “Luv Bug” Azor, as the original copyright owner. Those rights later transferred to Next Plateau Records, then London Records, and eventually to UMG.
The judge stated that even if the evidence was interpreted favorably for James and Denton, the 1986 agreements did not show they owned the rights to the recordings or transferred such rights elsewhere.
Following the verdict, James and Denton expressed their intent to appeal. They conveyed their disagreement with the judgment and reiterated their determination to protect their creative rights.
“We respectfully disagree with the Court’s decision and fully intend to pursue our rights on appeal,” the duo said in a statement.
Referring to themselves as both creators and performers of their music for over four decades, they reaffirmed their commitment to reclaiming what they view as their rightful ownership under copyright law.
“We, Cheryl James and Sandra Denton, also known as the hip-hop icons Salt-N-Pepa, are the creative and driving force behind all our sound recordings and have performed these songs over the past 40 years. We remain committed to vindicating and reclaiming our rights as creators under the Copyright Act.”
UMG issued a measured response, highlighting its desire to move forward amicably with the duo despite the court’s dismissal of the claims. The company expressed hope for a resolution and emphasized its readiness to collaborate in celebrating and amplifying Salt-N-Pepa’s enduring legacy for future generations.
