Salt-N-Pepa’s Legal Fight for Masters: Inside Their UMG Appeal

In the high-stakes world of music copyrights, few battles have captured the public’s imagination like Salt-N-Pepa’s fight to reclaim their master recordings. The iconic hip-hop duo, whose hits like “Push It” and “Shoop” defined an era, filed a notice of appeal earlier this month, contesting a federal judge’s dismissal of their lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG). This isn’t just a legal skirmish—it’s a fight for legacy, ownership, and the soul of their art.

The Backstory: A Decades-Long Struggle

Salt-N-Pepa’s journey to reclaim their masters began in May 2025, when they filed a lawsuit against UMG under Section 203 of the Copyright Act. This provision allows artists to reclaim ownership of their works 35 years after they initially signed them away. The duo argued that they had the right to terminate UMG’s copyright grant, citing a complex web of contracts dating back to their early career.

However, in January 2026, Judge Denise Cote of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed the case. Her ruling hinged on the interpretation of a 1986 agreement between Salt-N-Pepa and Noise In The Attic Productions (NITA), a company owned by their producer Hurby Azor. The judge concluded that Salt-N-Pepa never owned the copyrights to their recordings and therefore couldn’t reclaim them.

The Appeal: A New Chapter

Undeterred, Salt-N-Pepa have filed an appeal with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Their legal team, led by Richard Busch—the attorney who famously represented Marvin Gaye’s estate in the “Blurred Lines” case—is preparing to argue that the lower court erred in its interpretation of the 1986 agreements.

“We respectfully disagree with the Court’s decision and fully intend to pursue our rights on appeal,” Salt-N-Pepa said in a statement. “We remain committed to vindicating and reclaiming our rights as creators under the Copyright Act.”

Why This Fight Matters

Salt-N-Pepa’s battle is emblematic of a larger struggle in the music industry. For decades, artists have signed away their rights—often unknowingly—only to see their works generate millions for record labels. The duo’s appeal could set a precedent for other artists seeking to reclaim their masters.

Key Points of the Case: - Section 203 of the Copyright Act: Allows artists to reclaim ownership after 35 years. - The 1986 Agreements: The crux of UMG’s argument that Salt-N-Pepa never owned their copyrights. - The Appeal: Focuses on the interpretation of these agreements and whether Salt-N-Pepa can terminate UMG’s copyright grant.

What’s Next?

The appeal process could take months—or even years. In the meantime, Salt-N-Pepa continue to perform their classic hits, reminding fans why their music remains timeless. “We’re still here. We’re still Salt-N-Pepa,” the duo declared. “And we’re not done fighting. Not just for us, but for every artist who deserves to own what they create.”

The Broader Implications

This case isn’t just about Salt-N-Pepa; it’s about the future of music ownership. With streaming revenues skyrocketing and AI-generated music on the horizon, artists are increasingly aware of the value of their work. A victory for Salt-N-Pepa could empower a new generation of creators to take control of their legacies.

For now, the music industry watches closely as this legal drama unfolds. Salt-N-Pepa’s fight is a reminder that the battle for artistic ownership is far from over.