Rawkus Records has been hit with a huge copyright infringement lawsuit by, among others, Eminem, Naughty By Nature and Q-Tip.
Rawkus Records has been hit with a huge copyright infringement lawsuit by, among others, Eminem, Naughty By Nature and Q-Tip.
The Royalty Network, a publishing administration company, has filed the lawsuit against Rawkus on behalf of their clients' and their publishing companies, some of which are owned by The Alchemist, Da Beatminerz, The Teamstas, and Stic.Man (of Dead Prez).
The suit claims that Rawkus, Who are currently in the process of merging with MCA, has not paid royalties to any of Royalty Network's client list since 1996
It also states that CEOs Jarret Meyer and Brian Brater have 'full knowledge of the infringing activity and have induced, caused or materially contributed to the infringing conduct of Rawkus Entertainment and MCA Records.'
Other artists that have yet to receive royalties include Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Ras Kass, Big L, M.O.P., O.C., and a host of others. Some of the Rawkus projects listed in the suit include Lyricist Lounge Volume I & II, Black on Both Sides (Mos Def), Soundbombing I & II, Blackstar (Mos Def & Talib Kweli), and others.
Apparently The Royalty Network has been in contact with Rawkus several times to collect payment but have yet to receive anything.
The suit is seeking lawyer fees and the royalties owed to their clients, which range from $750 to $30,000 per song.
