Salt-N-Pepa accuse Universal Music Group of blocking their music from streaming amid lawsuit

Hip-hop trailblazers Salt-N-Pepa are suing Universal Music Group (UMG), claiming the label is actively blocking their music from streaming platforms and refusing to return ownership of their master recordings.

Lawsuit: Salt-N-Pepa sues Universal Music Group (UMG)

Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton filed the lawsuit in May in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. They argue that UMG violated federal copyright law by denying their right to reclaim their original recordings under the Copyright Act’s termination provision, which allows artists to regain control after 35 years.

“We’ve followed every legal step to get our copyrights back,” James said during an interview with Good Morning America. “But they’re refusing, so we had no choice but to sue.” Denton added, “It’s stopping us from re-releasing and promoting our music.”

As a result, UMG has reportedly pulled several of Salt-N-Pepa’s iconic tracks—including the 1987 hit “Push It” from major streaming services. The duo contends that the label’s actions not only violate the law but also undermine their legacy and creative autonomy.

In response, UMG filed a motion to dismiss the case. The label claims Salt-N-Pepa cannot exercise termination rights because they weren’t the original signers of the contract. UMG declined further comment, citing the pending litigation.

“We didn’t have leverage or knowledge back in the ’80s,” James explained. “Being held to a contract from 1985 nearly 40 years later is outrageous.”

Continues to make history

Despite the legal standoff, Salt-N-Pepa continue to make history. This November, they will become the first hip-hop group to receive the Musical Influence Award at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The award recognizes their groundbreaking contributions to music and culture.