Salt-N-Pepa are suing Universal music Group, accusing the label of intentionally blocking entry to their music-rights/”>authentic grasp recordings and eradicating their music from main U.S. streaming platforms. The Grammy-winning rap duo claims the transfer is an intentional effort to break their visibility forward of their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this fall. AllHipHop broke the information on the lawsuit over the weekend.

In a criticism filed this week, Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton allege UMG has refused to return the bodily two-inch grasp tapes containing the highest-quality variations of their albums and singles. According to the submitting, the masters stay saved in a safe facility underneath UMG’s management, regardless of a number of formal requests for his or her launch. The lawsuit describes the tapes as “incredibly rare” and the “original, highest quality” supply materials for the group’s recordings.

The authorized dispute arises because the duo prepares for his or her November 8, 2025, induction ceremony at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, which can be streamed dwell on Disney+. Alongside DJ Spinderella, Salt-N-Pepa grew to become the primary feminine rap group to attain platinum gross sales within the United States and can grow to be solely the second feminine hip-hop act to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The swimsuit claims tensions with UMG escalated after the group sought to reclaim their recording rights underneath Section 203 of the Copyright Act. In response, UMG allegedly started pulling its catalog from U.S. streaming companies, slicing off each public entry and streaming income. The criticism states that the label “halted exploitation” of the recordings domestically, successfully eradicating their business worth within the months main as much as the Hall of Fame ceremony.

Attorney Heidi G. Crikelair, representing the group, stated UMG’s actions are supposed to stress her shoppers into abandoning their authorized pursuit. “This is an effort by UMG to pressure Plaintiffs into giving up on their effort to recoup their rights,” Crikelair stated, arguing that the label “does not have the power to decide unilaterally when an artist is entitled to termination under the law.”

The lawsuit additionally notes that the elimination has stripped public entry to hits like “Push It,” which the group calls a cultural staple. Salt-N-Pepa are searching for damages and the instant return of their masters, accusing UMG of conversion and violating federal copyright legislation.