Daz Dillinger Sues Tupac Shakur Estate Over Unpaid Royalties

A complaint filed on May 8 in federal court by Death Row Records producer Daz Dillinger (Delmar Arnaud) alleges that Amaru Entertainment, which manages Tupac Shakur’s catalog, owes him royalties for over a dozen songs he co-wrote and produced, including five tracks from *All Eyez on Me*. Dillinger says he received $91,000 without any royalty statements and seeks a full audit, past-due royalties, and damages for breach of contract.

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*All Eyez on Me* topped the Billboard 200 in 1996 and logged 122 weeks on the chart. Amaru Entertainment was founded in 1997 by Afeni Shakur, Tupac’s mother, to oversee his music assets. In 2001 Afeni Shakur sued Dillinger for allegedly withholding unreleased Tupac recordings; the case settled out of court in 2002. Dillinger has previously sued Death Row, its former chief Suge Knight, and publishers Sony/ATV and BMG over payment disputes.

Daz Dillinger sues Tupac Shakur estate for unpaid royaltiesBillboardRolling Stone

• Daz Dillinger / Delmar Arnaud – producer, co-writer, cousin of Snoop Dogg.

Daz Dillinger sues Tupac Shakur estate for unpaid royalties

• Amaru Entertainment – estate-run music-rights company.

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• Bret Lewis – attorney for Dillinger.

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• Afeni Shakur – late mother of Tupac, former estate co-administrator.

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• Snoop Dogg – rapper, cousin of Dillinger, publicly responded to Dillinger’s threat.

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• Suge Knight – former Death Row chief, previously sued by Dillinger.

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The disputed songs include “Ambitionz az a Ridah,” “Skandalouz,” “Got My Mind Made Up,” “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted,” and “I Ain’t Mad at Cha.” Amaru paid $91,000 (? £67,000). *All Eyez on Me* remains on the Billboard 200 for 122 weeks.

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Attorney Bret Lewis said Amaru has failed to provide royalty statements and pay sums due, that the exact amount owed will be shown after accounting, and that he expects an amicable resolution. A Shakur-estate representative declined comment to both Billboard and Rolling Stone.

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Dillinger posted on social media, “I sued Suge back in the day. Should I do the same to cuz?” referring to Snoop Dogg. Snoop Dogg replied, “In a minute I’ma f— you up, cuz, not physically, but business-wise,” indicating a potential escalation.

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• “At a minimum, Amaru has failed to render statements and/or pay sums due within the applicable limitations periods and continuing to the present.” — Bret Lewis, attorney for Daz Dillinger

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• “The precise amount owed will be shown according to proof after an accounting and discovery.” — Bret Lewis

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• “It is my expectation that this matter will be amicably resolved.” — Bret Lewis

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• “I sued Suge back in the day. Should I do the same to cuz?” — Daz Dillinger (social media)

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• “In a minute I’ma f— you up, cuz, not physically, but business-wise.” — Snoop Dogg (response)

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The suit asks a judge to order Amaru to provide a comprehensive audit of profits and licenses tied to the disputed songs. Pending rulings, Dillinger may receive back-pay and damages, while the estate may seek settlement or contest the claims.

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