Darius “Deezle” Harrison, a prominent producer known for his work on Lil Wayne’s critically acclaimed album Tha Carter III, has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) for allegedly failing to pay him royalties owed for his contributions. Harrison is credited on six tracks from the multi-platinum album, including the chart-topping hit “Lollipop,” and claims that UMG owes him a staggering $3 million in unpaid royalties dating back a decade.
In his lawsuit, Harrison asserts that per his contract with Cash Money Records, he is entitled to a 4% royalty rate for the songs he worked on for Tha Carter III. Additionally, he claims he is owed a 3% royalty from a separate agreement related to his production work on Birdman’s 2005 album Fast Money.
This is not the first time Harrison has engaged in legal action regarding his royalties. In 2011, he sued Lil Wayne, Cash Money, and Young Money over similar issues, but that case was settled shortly thereafter. Harrison claims that while he began receiving royalty checks from UMG in 2012—around the same time the first lawsuit was settled—these payments ceased almost immediately.
As of now, neither UMG nor Lil Wayne has publicly responded to the lawsuit. However, this development comes at a time when UMG is already facing scrutiny from other artists. Notably, Drake is currently suing UMG, accusing them of defamation linked to the release of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” which has added further tension between the label and its artists.
The case highlights ongoing issues within the music industry regarding transparency and fair compensation for producers and artists alike. As the lawsuit unfolds, it underscores the complexities of music contracts and the challenges that producers face in securing their rightful earnings from successful projects.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the outcome of Harrison’s lawsuit could have significant implications, not only for him personally but also for how royalties are handled across the board. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of all contributors in the creative process, ensuring that they are adequately compensated for their work in shaping the sound of popular music. The resolution of this legal battle will be closely watched by industry insiders and fans alike, as it could set a precedent for future royalty disputes.
