Jermaine Dupri Sues Sony Music Over $18 Million In Unpaid Royalties From Usher & Mariah Carey Albums

On July 7, Jermaine Dupri filed a lawsuit suing Sony Music Entertainment over claims of underpaying royalties for years to him and his label So-So Def Recordings. These royalties pertain to albums by Usher, Mariah Carey and other artists like Kris Kross, Xscape, Bow Wow, Da Brat, J-Kwon, and Bone Crusher, aside from his own music.

The amount is a shocking number, allegedly reaching as far as USD 18 Million. The lawsuit, reported originally by Billboard after obtaining documents, accuses SME of a “systemic pattern” of using “contemptuous accounting practices” in relation to underpaying artist royalties.

“As it turns out, many of SME’s dealings with So-So Def have not been lawful and have harmed So-So Def in its business,” Dupri’s lawyer mentioned in a statement pertaining to a 32 year long relationship between So-So Def Recordings and Sony Music Entertainment. The allegations, needless to say, are serious and important in inciting conversations relating to fair payout practices from major labels. What do you think?

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source https://hiphop-n-more.com/2026/07/jermaine-dupri-sues-sony-music-18-million-unpaid-royalties-usher-mariah-carey-albums/