music-royalties”>Lawsuit Filed in Pasadena Over Unpaid music Royalties

Sir Jinx filed a federal lawsuit in Pasadena accusing T.I.’s label Grand Hustle LLC of failing to pay greater than $800,000 in royalties for the 2016 observe “Dope.” The Los Angeles producer says he co-wrote and co-produced the music however by no means acquired a cent.

The criticism, filed on September 28, 2025, claims Grand Hustle violated copyright regulation and a number of other different statutes by distributing and making the most of the observe with out offering Jinx with correct compensation or accounting.

Jinx Says He Was Credited But Never Paid

According to the submitting, Jinx—born Anthony Wheaton—registered the music by means of his firm Goonz Skwad music and was listed as a co-creator. “Dope,” which options Marsha Ambrosius, appeared on T.I.’s album The Dime Trap and was promoted as a collaboration with Dr. Dre.

Despite being credited, Jinx claims he by no means acquired royalty funds or monetary disclosures. His authorized workforce despatched a proper demand letter to Grand Hustle in November 2022, however the label allegedly ignored it.

Five Legal Claims Against Grand Hustle

The lawsuit outlines 5 causes of motion: copyright infringement, conversion, breach of fine religion, unjust enrichment, and failure to offer accounting. The criticism accuses Grand Hustle of exploiting the observe with out authorization and benefiting from Jinx’s contributions whereas withholding his share of the income.

The go well with states the label “copied, distributed, and exploited” the music in violation of his unique rights underneath federal copyright regulation (17 U.S.C. 106). It additionally alleges the corporate “acted in bad faith” by conserving the earnings and refusing to pay.

Damages Sought Exceed $800,000

Jinx is asking the courtroom to award him greater than $800,000 in compensatory damages, together with statutory damages, restitution, curiosity, and attorneys’ charges. He additionally desires a full accounting of earnings earned from the music’s launch, which was distributed by means of Universal music Group.

West Coast Hip-Hop Veteran Crossed Into Southern Sound

A longtime determine in West Coast Hip-Hop, Jinx rose to prominence within the late Eighties as a part of C.I.A. with Ice Cube. He later helped craft Ice Cube’s early solo initiatives AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted and Death Certificate and has produced for Xzibit, Yo-Yo, Too Short, and Kool G Rap.

His work on “Dope” marked a uncommon foray into Southern Hip-Hop, however Jinx says he was in the end excluded from the monetary rewards.

As of now, Grand Hustle has not responded to the lawsuit in U.S. District Court.

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