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Jermaine Dupri Sues Sony for $18 Million Unpaid Royalties

7/9/2026

Summary

Jermaine Dupri Sues

Jermaine Dupri filed an $18 million lawsuit against Sony Music Entertainment in the Southern District of New York on July 6, 2026.
He alleges Sony underreported royalties since May 1992, withholding $960,000 from Xscape’s 1993 debut and $2.2 million from Kris Kross albums, plus royalties for Mariah Carey, Usher, Da Brat, Bow Wow and other So So Def artists.
The complaint seeks $18 million plus interest, attorneys’ fees and other damages, and Sony has not yet responded.

Summary

Jermaine Dupri Lawsuit

The lawsuit claims producer Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def recordings generated over $200,000,000 in revenue, prompting royalty claims.
Attorney Chris Brown cited at least seven contracts covering 25+ years and a 2025 audit that uncovered millions owed.
The filing says unreported royalties may affect artists beyond those named, suggesting a wider industry problem.
The case notes “We Belong Together” has over 942,000,000 Spotify streams and that royalties could increase Sony Music’s exposure.

History

Historical Context

Enacted in October 1998, the DMCA implemented the 1996 WIPO treaties and granted online service providers safe-harbor protection, reshaping digital royalty accounting. The law’s framework enabled the growth of U.S. digital music sales, a trend cited by the RIAA. Jermaine Dupri’s 2026 lawsuit against Sony Music revives the act’s legacy by challenging alleged royalty under-reporting for artists such as Mariah Carey.

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Jermaine Dupri Sues

Jermaine Dupri filed an $18 million lawsuit against Sony Music Entertainment in the Southern District of New York on July 6, 2026.
He alleges Sony underreported royalties since May 1992, withholding $960,000 from Xscape’s 1993 debut and $2.2 million from Kris Kross albums, plus royalties for Mariah Carey, Usher, Da Brat, Bow Wow and other So So Def artists.
The complaint seeks $18 million plus interest, attorneys’ fees and other damages, and Sony has not yet responded.

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