A federal judge just dealt a DEVASTATING blow to Salt-N-Pepa’s fight to reclaim their master recordings from Universal Music Group. This affects EVERY artist fighting for their rights! 💔
The Ruling: U.S. District Judge Denise Cote sided with UMG Thursday, arguing Salt-N-Pepa NEVER owned the copyrights to their sound recordings and therefore can’t reclaim them.
Judge’s Words: “Plaintiffs can only terminate copyright transfers that they executed. None of the contracts identified by Plaintiffs indicate that they ever owned the Master Tapes.”
The Legal Battle:
- UMG argued the recordings were “works made for hire” (blocking rights reclamation)
- Salt-N-Pepa claimed their agreements proved otherwise
- They invoked the 1976 Copyright Act (artists can reclaim masters after 35 years)
Salt-N-Pepa’s Response: “We disagree with the judge’s decision and fully intend to pursue our rights on appeal. We remain committed to vindicating and reclaiming our rights as creators under the Copyright Act.”
The Legacy: Queens, NY duo Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton:
- Formed in 1985
- Debut album “Hot, Cool & Vicious” (1986) on Next Plateau Records
- Hits: “Shoop” (1993), “Push It” (1987)
- First female rap group to win a Grammy (1995)
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2021)
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Influence Award (November 2024) – second female hip-hop act after Missy Elliott!
Salt’s Powerful Words at Hall of Fame Induction: “We have to keep using our influence until the industry honors creativity the way the audience does—with LOVE, RESPECT and FAIRNESS.”
Why This Matters: This case affects EVERY Black artist from the ’80s and ’90s fighting to own their creative work. If pioneers like Salt-N-Pepa can’t reclaim their masters, what does that mean for the next generation? The fight continues! ✊🏾
#SaltNPepa #MasterRecordings #HipHopHistory #ArtistsRights #UniversalMusicGroup #CopyrightBattle #BlackExcellence
Drop a ✊🏾 if you stand with Salt-N-Pepa!
BLACK LOVE IS LOVE 