Black Sheep Dres Explains His $750 Million Lawsuit Against Universal Music

Earlier this month, it was reported that Hip-Hop duo Black Sheep is leading a $750 million class action lawsuit against Universal Music Group over artist royalties related to Spotify streams. Black Sheep Dres (as he is now known) and band-mate Mista Lawnge released two major label albums as Black Sheep (ahead of some independent releases). Their suit alleges that they never agreed to the royalty terms of streaming, as the duo signed nearly 20 years before the technology existed. Furthermore, per reports earlier this month, Black Sheep contend that an agreement UMG made with Spotify compromised royalties in place for artists without their knowledge or consent.

Dres unpacks the lawsuit on a clip from his recent appearance on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion podcast. Forty seconds into the interview clip (embedded below), Dres confirms the details of the lawsuit. “It’s a class action suit; I’m merely the tip of that spear,” says the New York MC regarding the eye-grabbing $750 million monetary figure. Mecca, an MC/journalist and industry veteran, asks his peer the question. “I put this sh*t into motion; I filed the paperwork. But the class action is this: everybody that did a deal before streaming existed needs to join me,” Dres adds. “Everybody who did a deal before streaming existed, is welcome [to join me],” he urges while looking into the camera. “I’ve given plenty [of] cats my lawyer’s [phone] number to jump on with me, ’cause it’s not about me, it’s about us.” The artist who worked with De La Soul, Showbiz & A.G., Vanessa Williams, and others argues that this collectively-minded approach should be the new normal.

FULL STORY AT AMBROSIAFORHEADS

Views: 116

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Connect

Bookmark and Share

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Mad Professor
Friday, May 26 @ Great Northern, SF

Jon B
Friday-Sunday, May 26-28 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Larry June
Monday, July 24 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Groups

Latest Activity

realmuzik posted a discussion

Vandes Jackson Releases New Single “Masterful Misfit” ft. Dizzy Wright

Vandes Jackson is an independent artist, producer, and native of Chicago, IL. This year he has been making some huge waves in the indie music scene with collaborations with Rick Ross, Sean Kingston, and now he’s returning with a hit single…See More
3 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted a discussion

‘CAN YOU DIG IT?’ DOCU-SERIES NARRATED BY CHUCK D EXPLORES RARELY TOLD HIP HOP ORIGIN STORY

Can You Dig It? is a new audio docu-drama narrated by hip-hop legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chuck D that explores a rarely told story that led to the birth of a global artistic movement. The 5-part Audible Original series will debut August 10, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The series begins with the 1971 murder of…See More
6 hours ago
Artistpr posted blog posts
17 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted videos
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Gr8Man Gwapo New Single "Going Legend"

Gr8Man Gwapo is a Hip-Hop artist from Ashtabula, Ohio. His aggressive yet melodic delivery and sharp wordplay over various beat styles give his music a motivational vibe and cinematic feel.At an early age, Gwapo had a deep love and appreciation for music. Growing up, he was heavily inspired by Hip-Hop & R&B.He transitioned from a fanatic listener to an artist by the age of 14 & wouldn’t hesitate at any opportunity to showcase his talents to his classmates & peers. But by this…See More
Thursday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Wednesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Tuesday
SHP is now a member of True Skool Network
Tuesday
A video by Editor's Pick was featured

Killer Mike - Don't Let The Devil (ft. El-P, thankugoodsir)

New track by Killer Mike. Listen: https://lnk.killermike.com/dontletthedevilFeaturing El-P, Run The Jewels, & thankugoodsirProduced by No I.D., El-P, & Littl...
Tuesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

JOHN LEGEND at Greek Theatre

June 17, 2023 from 8:30pm to 11:30pm
Saturday, June 17, 2023JOHN LEGEND Doors: 6:30pm | Show: 8:00pmHearst Greek Theatre 2001 Gayley Rd,Berkeley, CA 94720…See More
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
May 27

© 2023   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service