Salt-N-Pepa faced a major loss in the courts are a Manhattan federal judge shut down the legendary rap group’s attempt to reclaim copyrights to their classic recordings, including their breakout hit “Push It,” ruling that the group never actually owned the rights in the first place.
U.S. District Judge Denise Cote said the contracts tied to the music did not prove Salt-N-Pepa held copyright ownership and therefore could not legally terminate the rights now held by Universal Music Group.
The ruling delivers a blow to Cheryl James and Sandra Denton, who argued that federal law allowed them to reclaim their work decades after signing early deals. In 2022, the duo notified Universal they were taking back rights to albums released between 1986 and 1990, then sued the label last year when it refused to comply.
Universal welcomed the court’s decision but struck a conciliatory tone. “Even with the court’s complete rejection of their claims, we remain open and willing to find a resolution,” a spokesperson said, adding that the company hopes to keep “amplifying Salt-N-Pepa’s legacy for generations to come.”
Salt-N-Pepa became trailblazers in hip hop with hits like “Shoop” and “Whatta Man” and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year. Former member DJ Spinderella, who exited the group in 2019, was not involved in the lawsuit.