Jermaine Dupri Sues Sony Music for $18 Million in Royalty Disputes

Grammy-winning producer Jermaine Dupri has filed an $18 million lawsuit against Sony Music Entertainment (SME), alleging the company underpaid royalties, according to a lawsuit reviewed by Variety. The legal action centers on alleged “unlawful” dealings dating back to May 1992, when Dupri’s imprint, So So Def Recordings, first partnered with SME.

Allegations of Royalty Underreporting and Deceit

The lawsuit claims SME engaged in a “pattern of underreporting royalties and retroactively updating statements of previously earned royalties.” Dupri’s legal team alleges the company’s actions were “willful deceitful actions designed to harm Plaintiffs in their business.”

Specifically, the suit accuses SME of failing to properly account for royalties from releases by Mariah Carey, Usher, Xscape, Kris Kross, and other artists. It highlights $960,000 in unpaid producer royalties for Xscape’s “Hummin’ Comin’ At ‘Cha” and over $1 million for Da Brat’s “Funkdafied.” The filing also alleges that Dupri is owed more than $10 million in interest for unpaid royalties from his back catalog.

So So Def’s Legacy and Dupri’s Role

So So Def Recordings played a pivotal role in elevating Southern hip-hop and R&B. The label launched Xscape, Lil’ Bow Wow, and Da Brat, whose 1994 debut, Funkdafied, established her as the first solo female rapper to sell over a million copies. The label’s success helped establish Atlanta as a cultural hub, with Dupri earning Grammy Awards and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The lawsuit references a May 1992 label agreement between So So Def and SME, which governed releases from artists like Da Brat, Xscape, Whodini, and Neena. Dupri reportedly first suspected he was shortchanged on royalties in 2023, leading to investigations that uncovered further misconduct.

SME’s Response and Legal Context

The filing notes there are numerous So-So Def production shares and produce royalty accounts impacted by the misreporting.

What’s Next in the Case?

The lawsuit seeks damages for unpaid royalties and interest.