Yet another week passes and more news comes about illustrating the once mighty Rawkus Records incompetence. Rawkus is being sued by the Royalty Network for copyright infringement. The infringement comes in the form of unpaid royalties. The Royal Network represents various publishing companies, the suit is on behalf of their clients.
Some of the clients whose publishing companies are represented are The Alchemist, Da Beatminerz, Stic.Man, and The Teamstas. There are also a gang of artists who have appeared on tracks that haven’t been paid royalties either. Ras Kass, Naughty By Nature, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Q-Tip, O.C., Eminem, M.O.P. and the late Big L are among them.
This is stemming from appearances on Rawkus albums, the list of albums in the suit are Lyricist Lounge 1 and 2, Soundbombing 1 and 2, Blackstar, Mos’ Black on Both Sides and Da Beatminerz’ Brace 4 Impak.
The Royalty Network has contacted Rawkus several times to collect payment but have not had any success. The suit is seeking lawyer fees and the royalties owed to their clients, which range from as little as $750 to as much as $30,000 per song. Apparently, Rawkus used the dough for “lavish New York parties, cars, lofts, platinum and diamond jewelry for label staff and management, as well as a Rawkus mansion in the Hamptons.”
