Judge Dismisses Salt‑N‑Pepa’s Suit Over Masters, Leaving UMG in Control

Overview

• On Jan. 8, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote granted UMG’s motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim in the Southern District of New York.
• The opinion said contracts placed ownership with Noise in the Attic and a 1986 agreement with Next Plateau, not with the artists.
• UMG argued the recordings were works made for hire and called the lawsuit baseless, while saying it remains open to a private resolution.
• Salt‑N‑Pepa said they respectfully disagree with the ruling and intend to pursue an appeal to reclaim their rights.
• The duo has alleged UMG removed hits like “Push It” and “Shoop” from Spotify and Apple Music after termination notices, with early recordings still reported as off streaming services.