Salt-N-Pepa Lawsuit Against UMG Dismissed by Federal Judge

Salt-N-Pepa to appeal UMG copyright lawsuit dismissal

“We’re still here. We’re still Salt-N-Pepa. And we’re not done fighting. Not just for us, but for every artist who deserves to own what they create.”

Salt-N-Pepa Lawsuit Against UMG Dismissed by Federal Judge

Photo Credit: David Burke / CC by 2.0 Salt-N-Pepa’s copyright lawsuit against Universal to regain their masters was dismissed by a federal judge over technicalities in their contract. Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton have lost their copyright lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) to regain their masters as iconic hip-hop Salt-N-Pepa. The duo asserted that UMG was holding their music “hostage” and that the 1976 Copyright Act sho…

Salt-N-Pepa’s Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group Dismissed

This isn’t just about Salt-N-Pepa. It’s about how legacy contracts continue to shape modern music ownership, and why even the most influential artists can still find themselves boxed out of their own work.

‘Let’s Talk About Copyrights’: What Artists Can Learn From Salt-N-Pepa's Legal Loss

Last week, on January 8th, a Manhattan federal court made a shattering ruling regarding pioneering hip-hop titans Salt-N-Pepa. The court rejected the rap group’s bid to own the copyrights to the master recordings or “masters” for their classic hit, Push It, along with other songs from Universal Music Group (UMG). As reported by Reuters, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote stated that Salt-N-Pepa’s original agreement with UMG in 1986, which gave UMG …

Salt-N-Pepa Wanted Control of Their Hits But Judge Tosses Lawsuit Against UMG

A federal judge has dismissed Salt-N-Pepa’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), dealing a major setback to the pioneering hip-hop duo’s long-running fight to reclaim ownership of their master recordings. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 08: (L-R) Inductees Cheryl James and Sandra Denton, of Salt-N-Pepa, and Hurby “Luv Bug” Azor speak onstage during the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Peacock Theater on November 08,…