From reggae icon Max Romeo‘s bold $15 million lawsuit against Universal Music Group for 47 years of unpaid royalties to Bounty Killer’s $25,000 battle to reclaim publishing rights from No Doubt, the industry has been abuzz with legal battles and triumphs in 2023. The untimely passing of Sinéad O’Connor prompted refections on a heartfelt message to her children, urging them to safeguard her musical legacy.
In the latter part of the year, super producer Rvssian faced rumors about his nationality, defending his Jamaican roots and continuing his global success. Meanwhile, Lady Patra celebrated the 30th anniversary of her RIAA Gold-certified album “Queen Of The Pack,” reflecting on her enduring influence in dancehall and hip-hop. Join us as we delve into your biggest stories on World Music Views® for 2023.
1. Max Romeo Sues Universal Music Group For 47 Of Years Royalties.
Max Romeo, the Jamaican roots reggae musician, has filed a $15 million lawsuit against Universal Music Group, alleging 47 years of unpaid royalties. He claims that despite the commercial use of his music in movies and pop culture, he has not received proper compensation since 1976. The suit is related to an original contract with Island Records, and Romeo emphasizes the exploitation of his work without adequate payment. At 78 years old, he speaks up for himself and future generations, highlighting the need to fight for what is rightfully his. The lawsuit focuses on royalties owed for his iconic 1976 album “War Ina Babylon,” which includes the hit song “Chase the Devil.”
Romeo points out that his work, such as “Chase The Devil,” was sampled by Jay-Z in the song “Lucifer” from “The Black Album” (2003). He expresses gratitude to Lee “Scratch” Perry but clarifies that Perry is not involved in the lawsuit. Romeo reflects on the broader issue of Jamaican artists facing injustice after their music gains global recognition. The article mentions relevant sections of the United States Copyright laws, such as Section 203 and Section 304, that empower artists to reclaim rights after a certain period. The situation underscores the challenges faced by musicians in securing fair compensation for their creative work.
2- Bounty Killer vs No Doubt Saga
Bounty Killer said he spent $25,000 to regain the publishing rights for the Grammy-winning single “Hey Baby” created with No Doubt. Initially offered $2,000, Bounty Killer agreed to collaborate after Sly and Robbie emphasized the long-lasting legacy over the upfront payment. A legal dispute arose when No Doubt attempted to offer him only 2.5% of the publishing, leading to a court battle. Despite the success of the song, certified Gold in the US, Bounty Killer faced challenges due to publishing issues and controversial scenes in the music video. The reggae artist expressed frustration over attempts to cheat him out of future earnings. Despite the hurdles, “Hey Baby” achieved international success, winning a Grammy and reaching top positions in various charts worldwide. Bounty Killer’s journey with No Doubt involved complexities, legal battles, and mixed feelings about the song’s success.
3- Sinéad O’Connor Passed Away On July 26 And Left A Sobering Message For Her Children.
Sinéad O’Connor, died on July 26, and before she died she advised her children to safeguard her musical and financial assets in the event of her untimely passing. During the promotion of her 2021 memoir, she emphasized the potential exploitation of artists after death by record labels and urged her children to contact her accountant before emergency services, ensuring awareness of their rightful earnings.
O’Connor, who tragically passed away at 56, leaves behind a rich musical legacy marked by her distinctive voice and profound songwriting. Her advice reflects a concern for preventing mishandling of her artistic works and securing her family’s knowledge of their financial rights in the music industry.
4- Rvssian Proved He Is Jamaican For A Second Time.
Super producer Rvssian, born Tarik Luke Johnston, addressed rumors suggesting he is not Jamaican but from Russia. In a social media post, he clarified that he is indeed born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, with both parents also being Jamaican. Rvssian, known for his successful career with platinum certifications, had previously faced scrutiny in 2020 amid the Black Lives Matter movement. Critics questioned his racial identity and commitment to Jamaican culture, prompting a Twitter dispute.
Despite the controversies, Rvssian, now based in Miami, continues to achieve global success with collaborations, surpassing 2.6 billion streams on Spotify. He recently returned to Jamaica for collaborations, and his Dutty Money Riddim features new dancehall artists, achieving chart success. Rvssian’s Head Concussion Records, launched in 2007, played a pivotal role in promoting talents like Demarco, Tarrus Riley, and Vybz Kartel. His contributions to the music industry earned him a nomination for Crossover Artist of the Year at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards.
5- Patra Celebrated 30 Years Of Her RIAA Gold Album “Queen Of The Pack.”
Lady Patra, a pioneer in dancehall music, reflects on 30 years of her debut album “Queen Of The Pack,” released in 1993, which remains the only album by a female dancehall artist certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album, marked by Patra’s distinctive style and fashion sense, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Reggae albums chart. Patra discussed with WMV her influence on dancehall and hip-hop, her early experiences in music, and her decision to sign with Sony Music. Despite taking a break during the height of her career, Patra emphasized her excitement about representing Jamaican culture and expressed a willingness to return to the music scene. The interview also touches on Patra’s interactions with other artists, including Tupac, and her impact on hip-hop culture with translatable music that bridges dancehall and hip-hop
As we bid farewell to 2023, we want to express our deepest gratitude for being a part of the World Music Views® community. It’s been a year filled with captivating stories, legal battles, and remarkable achievements within the music industry. We sincerely appreciate your continued support and enthusiasm for the diverse narratives we’ve shared.
Looking ahead to 2024, we assure you that all World Music Views® platforms on Google News, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, Twitter and Instagram are committed to bringing you more exclusive insights, breaking stories, and in-depth interviews with your favorite artists.
Stay with us as we embark on another year of exploring the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges, and the untold stories that make the music industry a fascinating realm.
Thank you for being a part of our community, and here’s to a harmonious and melodious year ahead! Stay tuned for more music magic on World Music Views®.
