Salt-N-Pepa's Legal Battle with Universal Music Group Resolved: A Look at the Copyright Dispute
Salt-N-Pepa's legal battle with Universal Music Group regarding the ownership of their master recordings, which include popular songs like "Push It," has been resolved by a New York judge. The lawsuit, filed by Cheryl "Salt" James and Sandra "Pepa" Denton in May 2025, was based on the Copyright Act of 1976, which allows artists to reclaim their copyrights after 35 years. However, the judge dismissed the lawsuit, stating that Salt-N-Pepa had granted ownership of their recordings to their first label, Noise in the Attic (NITA) Productions, and that the contract for the recordings was between Next Plateau Records and NITA, owned by Hurby "Luv Bug" Azur.
The dismissal was based on the argument that Salt-N-Pepa could not terminate a copyright grant executed by NITA, as specified in the Copyright Act. Universal Music Group (UMG) responded to the termination notices filed by Salt-N-Pepa in 2022 by claiming that the songs were "works made for hire" and that the artists had no rights to the tracks. Despite the court's decision to dismiss the lawsuit, UMG expressed willingness to resolve the matter amicably and ensure that Salt-N-Pepa's music remains accessible to their fans.
Salt-N-Pepa's representatives and attorneys have not yet commented on the court's decision. The group previously used their induction speech at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony to address the challenges they faced in the music industry, including their music being removed from streaming platforms. They emphasized the importance of fair treatment and recognition of creativity in the industry, calling for respect and fairness from streaming platforms and the music industry as a whole.
In conclusion, Salt-N-Pepa's legal battle with Universal Music Group over the ownership of their master recordings has been dismissed by a New York judge. Despite the court's decision, the group remains committed to advocating for fair treatment and recognition of their creative work in the music industry.