Cheryl James and Sandra Denton of “Salt-N-Pepa” are suing Universal Music Group for allegedly removing some of their greatest hits from streaming platforms amid a lawsuit.
In a recent interview with “Good Morning America,” James and Denton explained that their fans are unable to listen to some of their songs because of the lawsuit. They are suing Universal Music Group for allegedly denying them the master recordings of their early songs, such as “Push It.”
“It just keeps us from re-releasing our music — promotin’ it,” Denton said.
RELATED STORIES
The revolutionary female hip-hop group alleges that Universal is breaking federal copyright law by denying them the ability to exercise their so-called “termination rights,” which, according to the U.S. Copyright Office, enable artists to eventually regain the copyright to their original recordings.
READ ALSO: Salt-N-Pepa Sue Universal Music Group To Reclaim Rights To Previous Recordings
“When you’re an artist, in the beginning, you sign a contract saying that the copyrights will revert back to you after 35 years,” James said. “And we’ve done all the things legally to get our copyrights back. But they’re just refusing, so we had to sue them.”
“It’s the law. That’s what it really boils down to. It’s the law,” Denton added.
In May, the duo filed a case against Universal Music Group in the Southern District Court of New York.
Universal Music Group filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that Salt-N-Pepa cannot use their “termination rights” as they did not sign the pertinent contract.
But since they are the artists, Denton and James pointed out that they believe the copyright law should “protect the artists.”
“We didn’t have that leverage. We didn’t have that knowledge. We didn’t have that control in the ’80s. And so, to be held to a contract from 1985, and 40 years later, it’s, like, ridiculous,” James remarked.
Denton said she believes Universal Music Group is supposedly hanging onto their work because it recognizes its “worth.”
“Obviously, it’s something. They wanna keep it. They wanna hold onto it. And they’re tryin’ to fight us,” she claimed. “So, obviously, they understand what’s the worth of that.”
According to the Associated Press, the duo argues they should legally own further recordings later this year and in 2026, including the 1993 album “Very Necessary,” which features “Shoop” and “Whatta Man.”
They are now seeking actual damages for money lost as well as punitive damages in an amount yet to be established for UMG’s activities. The suit indicates actual damages could “well exceed $1 million.” They also seek a permanent injunction to protect their recordings.
They claimed that the label had “maliciously punished” Salt-N-Pepa “for daring to assert their rights” by removing the songs from streaming and other commercial venues.
The attorneys for the label stated in letters that were part of the complaint that they have pushed for mediation and are seeking a “mutually acceptable resolution.”
In the midst of the legal dispute, the duo is gearing up for a career highlight: receiving the Musical Influence Award at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in November.
The Grammy-winning duo will become the first hip-hop group to win the prestigious honor.
“It’s an amazing feeling, because… it’s for your music, not just one hit,” Denton told GMA about the nomination. “It’s about your journey, your legacy, what you have done, you know, the influence that you had … 40 years and we’re still here.”
Overall, the groundbreaking artists told GMA that they want to be recognized for remaining true to themselves.
“Authenticity, especially in art, I think, leads to longevity. And I feel like that’s a big part of why people took to Salt-N-Pepa, because we are authentic,” James said. “And I wanna inspire women, inspire and encourage women to be themselves, to go for it, you know? And to not be afraid to knock down barriers in the workplace, in the world, whatever you’re doing. Just be strong.”
READ ALSO: Sandra Denton: Music fans shocked over Salt-N-Pepa star’s new selfie that has gone viral
