Salt‑N‑Pepa vs. UMG: The Hip-Hop Icons Fight to Reclaim Their Legacy

When you think of iconic hip-hop tracks that helped define an era, Salt‑N‑Pepa’s “Push It” and “Shoop” are at the top of the list. But behind the platinum plaques and cultural impact lies a battle that's all too common in the music industry: artists fighting for ownership of their own work.

In May 2025, Salt‑N‑Pepa filed a federal lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the major label of retaliating against their efforts to reclaim the rights to their music. The duo, Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton, say UMG is holding their catalog hostage, stripping their hits from streaming platforms in response to a legal termination notice they filed back in 2022.

The Legal Battle

The lawsuit, filed in New York, leans on the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976. This law gives artists the right to terminate old contracts and reclaim their copyrights 35 years after the original deal. Salt‑N‑Pepa say they followed protocol, but UMG didn’t just ignore their notice. According to the duo, the label pulled key tracks from Spotify, Apple Music, and other major platforms, essentially telling fans: if we don’t control the music, no one gets to hear it.

UMG's Defense

UMG claims the group never directly signed over their rights. Instead, they argue that a third party, their original producer, was the one with the legal relationship, meaning Salt‑N‑Pepa have no standing to terminate anything. UMG is also invoking the controversial “work made for hire” argument, which, if upheld, would mean the label owns the music permanently and the artists have zero legal path to get it back.

What’s at Stake?

The duo’s catalog isn’t just iconic, it’s still profitable. Salt‑N‑Pepa claim they earned over $1 million in sync licensing fees in just five months. That number speaks to the ongoing value of legacy music, especially tracks that continue to land placements in film, TV, and commercials.

What’s more troubling is UMG’s alleged retaliation. Pulling songs from streaming platforms not only punishes the artists, it punishes fans. The lawsuit accuses the label of intentionally tanking their visibility and revenue as a power move.

Why This Matters in 2025

Salt‑N‑Pepa aren’t the only ones standing up. From Taylor Swift reclaiming her masters to Rick Springfield exposing exploitative contracts, more artists are digging into the fine print of deals made decades ago and finally pushing back.

And with modern copyright law backing them, they’re setting a precedent for younger artists, don’t sign without a lawyer, and don’t assume your label has your best interests at heart.

Salt‑N‑Pepa changed the game for women in hip-hop. Now they’re trying to change it again, by showing what it looks like to fight for your work, your worth, and your legacy.

If they win, this case could open the floodgates for other artists to challenge unfair ownership structures and reclaim their catalogs. If they lose, it’ll be a stark reminder of how far the industry still has to go.