Salt-N-Pepa is launching fresh accusations at Universal Music Group, claiming the label is deliberately trying to undercut their big Rock & Roll Hall of Fame moment this fall.
In new court docs obtained by AllHipHop, the pioneering rap duo alleges UMG is withholding their original two-inch master tapes, the highest-quality physical versions of their music, and has pulled much of their catalog from U.S. streaming platforms.
“Plaintiffs’ Master Tapes hold significant value and are incredibly rare. They are the original, highest quality, physical source material of Plaintiffs’ sound recordings,” the complaint states.
The legal clash comes as the group prepares for their November 8th, 2025, induction at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, which will be streamed live on Disney+. The suit claims the situation escalated after they moved to reclaim copyrights under Section 203 of the Copyright Act. In response, UMG allegedly stopped exploiting their sound recordings in the U.S., stripping the duo of streaming revenue and removing fan access to classics like “Push It.”
“UMG appears to take the position that it can unilaterally decide when and/or if a recording artist is entitled to termination. This is not the law, and UMG does not have this power,” said their attorney, Heidi G. Crikelair. “This is an effort by UMG to pressure Plaintiffs into giving up on their effort to recoup their rights to their sound recordings.”
Salt-N-Pepa, who originally filed their suit in May, believe the label’s actions are a calculated attempt to diminish their cultural presence during a milestone moment. They are seeking damages and the immediate return of their masters, accusing UMG of conversion and copyright violations.
