Miami, FL — In a significant victory for artists seeking control over their creative outputs, members of the iconic hip hop group 2 Live Crew have successfully won a legal battle to reclaim rights to their music catalog. The verdict, delivered by a federal jury in Florida, supports the group’s claim under the copyright law’s “termination right,” a crucial provision that empowers creators to regain their copyrights decades after initially transferring them.
The litigation centered around five of 2 Live Crew’s albums, including their controversial 1989 release “As Nasty as They Wanna Be,” which was certified platinum and reached No. 29 on the Billboard 200 chart. The case was brought against Lil Joe Records, a small label that acquired the group’s catalog in the 1990s following the bankruptcy of Luke Records Inc.
For nearly four years, Luther Campbell, known as Uncle Luke, alongside the heirs of his late bandmates Christopher Wong Won (Fresh Kid Ice) and Mark Ross (Brother Marquis), fought for their right to terminate the copyright transfer. The group’s attorney, Scott Alan Burroughs, expressed profound satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that it signified a “total and overwhelming victory” for artists everywhere.
However, the battle may not be over yet. Richard Wolfe, the lead counsel for Lil Joe Records and its owner, Joe Weinberger, has indicated plans to appeal the decision. Wolfe pointed out the unique legal questions this case raises, particularly regarding the interplay between copyright termination rights and federal bankruptcy law, suggesting that the matter could potentially escalate to the Supreme Court.
The struggle to regain copyright control is a familiar one in the music industry. High-profile artists like Jay-Z and Cher have recently invoked their termination rights to win back control of their early works. These legal confrontations are shedding light on the broader implications of copyright law and artist rights.
In November 2020, the dispute began when Campbell and his group notified Lil Joe Records of their intention to reclaim their music. The disagreement led to a lawsuit when the two parties failed to reach an agreement. During the trial, 2 Live Crew’s lawyers painted a narrative of betrayal, alleging that Weinberger had exploited the group’s trust, leading them into bankruptcy to acquire their music rights cheaply.
Lil Joe Records defended its position by arguing that the copyrights were acquired “free and clear” of any claims during the bankruptcy sale, maintaining that the albums were produced as “works for hire,” which would inherently make the company the rightful owner.
If Wolfe’s team petitions successfully, the case will next move to a federal appeals court, potentially prolonging the resolution for months or even years. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent affecting not only musicians but creators across various media who seek to regain control from corporate entities that hold the rights to their works.
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