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TikTok & Universal Music Group Strike Agreement In Royalty Dispute: What We Know

May 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

After months of negotiations, Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok have announced a breakthrough licensing agreement. As music technology continues to progress, this marks a significant moment in the music industry. This multi-dimensional agreement promises to benefit UMG’s extensive roster of artists, songwriters, and labels. Moreover, this also reinstates their music catalog on TikTok’s expansive platform.

Strategic Collaboration For Mutual Benefit

UMG’s music is coming back to TikTok.

Surprise, surprise.

– Better payment for UMG artists
– Buy-in on ethical AI practices
– More artist-centric tooling

Or, at least that’s what the press release says.

UMG may need TikTok more than TikTok needs UMG, but they’re better… pic.twitter.com/gtBWm1gjc3

— Rob Abelow (@AbelowRob) May 2, 2024

The strategic collaboration aims to enhance the creative and commercial prospects of UMG’s roster. Both parties have expressed a shared commitment to leveraging TikTok’s advanced technology. Through the platform, UMG plans to enhance its marketing prowess to deliver improved remuneration for creators. As a result, they plan to enhance engagement opportunities for their music.

Fans on TikTok can anticipate the return of UMG’s extensive recorded music and publishing catalogs soon. The platform now offers them access to diverse musical content from renowned artists and songwriters. Additionally, fans can explore music from promising emerging talent. This development intends to reignite creativity among TikTok users, enabling them to create videos set to the backdrop of their favorite tracks.

Exploring New Monetization Opportunities + Online Safety Protection

umg tiktok — In this photo illustration, Universal Music Group (UMG) logo is seen on a smartphone and pc screen. (Photo Illustration by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

As part of the agreement, UMG and TikTok will collaborate to explore new avenues for monetization. As issues regarding royalties became prominent, UMG and TikTok’s partnership leverages the social media platform’s e-commerce capabilities. Additionally, joint campaigns supporting UMG’s artists across various genres and territories are on the agenda. This indicates a concerted effort to maximize the commercial potential of UMG’s music catalog on the platform.

TikTok has committed to investing significant resources in developing artist-centric tools aimed at empowering UMG’s artists to thrive on the platform. These tools include features like “Add to Music App,” enhanced data analytics, and integrated ticketing capabilities, all designed to enhance artists’ financial prospects and expand their global fan base. Moreover, this new deal prioritizes stringent online safety protections for artists and their fans, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all users.

An essential aspect of the agreement involves collaboration on responsible AI development within the music industry. Both UMG and TikTok have pledged to ensure that AI tools are developed ethically, safeguarding human creativity and the economic interests of artists and songwriters. They promised to implement measures to remove unauthorized AI-generated music from the platform, while also improving artist and songwriter attribution to uphold their rights and recognition.

Expeditious Implementation

UMG and TikTok are working swiftly to implement the terms of the agreement, with plans to reintroduce music by UMG’s artists and songwriters to TikTok in the near future. This proactive approach reflects the commitment of both parties to restoring normalcy and fostering a mutually beneficial partnership.

In conclusion, the resolution of the royalty dispute between UMG and TikTok heralds a new era of collaboration in the music industry, characterized by mutual respect, innovation, and commercial opportunity. As we witness the digital landscape’s evolution, partnerships like this are vital in ensuring the continued success and sustainability of the music ecosystem.

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Trey Songz Settles $25M Lawsuit Over Alleged 2016 Sexual Assault

April 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In February of last year, Trey Songz was hit with a lawsuit from an anonymous woman accusing him of sexual assault. The woman, going by Jane Joe, claimed that she attended a house party with the performer back in 2016 after meeting him at a nightclub in Los Angeles. The evening took a turn for the worse when Trey Songz invited her upstairs, where the alleged sexual assault took place. Atlantic Records, Trey Songz’s manager Kevin Lilies, and 300 Entertainment were also named as defendants in her suit.

Reportedly, they’ve now settled, though the amount has not been disclosed. Initially, the alleged victim was seeking $25 million for the mental and emotional distress of the incident. They were scheduled to appear in court for a hearing in September, which has been vacated due to the settlement. “The settlement agreement conditions dismissal of this matter on the satisfactory completion of specified terms that are not to be performed within 45 days of the date of the settlement. A request for dismissal will be filed no later than June 10, 2024,” the legal docs reportedly state.

Trey Songz & Jane Doe Settle For Undisclosed Amount

Trey Songz attends inBetweeners & D&G, powered by UNXD. DGFamily NFT.NYC Party at TAO Uptown on June 22, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images For INBETWEENERS x DOLCE & GABBANA)

It remains unclear whether or not Trey Songz admitted guilt as a condition of the settlement, but last year, he denied the accusations on social media. “Lies will never be the truth,” he wrote in an Instagram Story. “No matter who chooses to believe such.” Sadly, this isn’t the first woman to have accused Trey Songz of assault, however. Just last month, Winter Blanco came forward on an episode of Behind The Likes to accuse him of assaulting her in 2018. She revealed that she chose to stay silent for the sake of her career.

“I’m tired of letting abusers get away with so much sh*t,” she explained at the time. “I was not going to ever talk about it because I was still trying to do music.” What do you think of Trey Songz settling his $25M lawsuit? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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R. Kelly Sues Prison Bureau For Seizing Of His Commissary Funds

March 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

R. Kelly is suing the United States government in an attempt to get his commissary funds back. The case stems from a March 2023 ruling, in which the Illinois Supreme Court decided Heather Williams was entitled to access the disgraced singer’s funds. “The defendant is appealing his conviction and the government’s seizure of his substantial Bureau of Prisons commissary account to satisfy the financial penalties imposed in the case,” an announcement of the lawsuit caught by HipHopDX reportedly read. Assistant United States Attorney Kayla Bensing will represent the United States in the matter.

Kelly has faced countless sexual misconduct allegations over the years. In 2021, he was convicted under the Mann Act and for racketeering while a year later, he was convicted for three child pornography charges and three charges of enticing a minor. Kelly’s currently serving a 31-year sentence at FCI Butner Medium I. He’s due for release on December 21, 2045, at the age of 78.

R. Kelly Appears In Court In Chicago

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 17: Singer R. Kelly turns to leave after appearing at a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on September 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges. (Photo by Antonio Perez – Pool via Getty Images)

Back in January, Kelly claimed he wasn’t aware that he had lost a $10.5 million lawsuit back in August of 2023. He mentioned facing a high number of cases and switching legal teams as potential reasons for the slip up. In a statement, his attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, said to XXL: “We are absolutely pushing back on the $10.5 million default judgment that was entered against him without notice and without a sound legal justification. It would be simplistic and silly to write that the basis for our motion to vacate the windfall judgment relates solely to his illiteracy (although he is in fact functionally illiterate per formalized testing). The more significant problem is that there was no legal basis to enter the default judgment on the merits.”

R. Kelly Wants His Commissary Funds Back

R. Kelly sues Bureau Of Prisons over seized commissary funds pic.twitter.com/SqGyL8b9Ck

— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) March 17, 2024

Check out some of the documents obtained by HipHopDX in the post above. Kelly’s next hearing will go down on Monday. Be on the lookout for further updates on the singer on HotNewHipHop.

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Don Lemon Nets $24.5 Million To Settle CNN Firing: Report

February 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Don Lemon has reportedly reached an agreement with CNN to settle his firing from the company. In turn, the network will pay out the remainder of his contract dating three-and-a-half years from the time of his firing. The deal lands him $24.5 million total.

Lemon spent 17 years with CNN before his firing. He had been facing backlash for comments he made about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley at the time. Appearing on CNN This Morning, Lemon remarked that Haley is “past her prime.” He later apologized and “agreed to participate in formal training.” Two months later, he was out from the network.

Don Lemon Attends Pre-Grammy Gala

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 03: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Don Lemon during the 66th GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY. Gala & GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons Honoring Jon Platt at The Beverly Hilton on February 03, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

“I am stunned after 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have the decency to tell me directly,” Lemon wrote on social media at the time. “At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play.” Afterward, CNN’s public relations team released its own statement, claiming the former anchor misrepresented what went down. “Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate,” the CNN Communications account tweeted. “He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.”

The settlement with CNN comes as Lemon is preparing to launch The Don Lemon Show on X in the coming weeks. That move follows in the footsteps of Tucker Carlson who similarly launched his own series on the platform after being let go from Fox in 2023. Be on the lookout for further updates on Don Lemon on HotNewHipHop.

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Biggie Smalls’ Estate Reaches Settlement In World Trade Center Pictures Lawsuit

January 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Some of the most iconic pictures in hip-hop history unsurprisingly belong to one of the genre’s most iconic figures. Moreover, fans of any generation likely know the photos of Biggie Smalls with the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers as their backdrop. Photographer Chi Modu took them in 1996, and said that his lyrics on the song “Juicy” referencing the Towers partly inspired the shoot in Jersey City, New Jersey. However, a 2019 lawsuit from Big’s estate claimed that Modu illegaly licensed the snaps for sold products without respecting his rights. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2021, and thus, the battle turned to estate versus estate.

Furthermore, Billboard reports that Staci Jennifer Trager -– Biggie’s estate’s legal representative in this case -– announced a settlement on Thursday (January 18). While its details are unknown at press time, she explained that the rapper’s children and Modu’s widow came to an agreement. “Pictures of Christopher cannot be commercially exploited without a license from our client,” Trager reportedly remarked to the outlet. “The settlement agreement is a testament to the dedication of our client as well as our team members in staying the course over several years.”

Biggie Smalls’ World Trade Center Photos

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A post shared by C H I M O D U (@chimodu)

As such, it seems like Modu’s estate will still be able to sell physical and digital prints of the pictures. However, they will not be able to use the images for other products, as suggested by the explanation of the settlement. Of course, this joins a long list of other “legacy items” that the hip-hop community treasures, especially for such an influential and impactful late legend. For example, Biggie’s autographed arrest fingerprints, and those of Tupac Shakur, went on sale for $225K last year.

Meanwhile, as the West Coast icon’s murder case develops with the arrest of alleged culprit Keefe D, folks also claim that the Brooklyn MC’s death is connected. That emerged as a speculative theory long ago, and the mystery that surrounds both cases makes judging it a tough call. Regardless, this settlement shows that his legacy will live on in respectful ways if his estate gets their word in. For more news and the latest updates on Biggie Smalls, stay up to date on HNHH.

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Diddy Wasn’t The One To Pay For Cassie Settlement, Legal Expert Theorizes

December 1, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Though Diddy’s legal battles are far from over, the bombshell suit from Cassie is still the principal point of discussion when it comes to his alleged abhorrent behavior. Moreover, many folks expressed shock, satisfaction, or skepticism when they settled the case, which was quite the suspicious and quick resolution to such a damning accusation. However, in the weeks since, other voices and angles shed some light on this issue and might actually help us understand it a little more. On that note, Houston-based attorney Symone Redwine appeared on the Pour Horsemen podcast on Wednesday (November 29) to explain the possible financing behind this settlement.

“They didn’t sue just Diddy,” Symone Redwine told the show hosts, explaining that there’s a chance that Sean Combs didn’t pay a cent in this explosive, slightly damning, and eyebrow-raising legal development. “They sued his corporations. And they sued his corporations, and sued in her capacity as an employee. When you do that, it triggers commercial liability insurance and it triggers another policy called directors and officers.” Then, she went on to elaborate what the implication of these policies is, and how things maybe weren’t up to Puff Daddy in this case.

Symone Redwine Speaks On Diddy & Cassie Settlement: Watch

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A post shared by The Pour Horsemen Podcast (@thepourhorsemen)

“We know he’s the director of the companies as a CEO,” Symone Redwine continued about the Diddy lawsuits. “So now you got two policies. What happens then is, it takes away Puffy’s ability to settle. It’s not his choice no more. So because they added those claims, the corporate insurance carrier got to say, ‘Oh hell no, we’re giving her the money.’” Furthermore, it’s unclear if the lawyer also believes these considerations apply to the multiple other lawsuits against the Bad Boy mogul. Of course, it’s more likely that this is very case-by-case and depends on the codefendants named.

Meanwhile, this news is relevant because it affects how the public truly perceives his accountability in this situation. If the New York music magnate didn’t pay here, then how can we expect to see this settlement as him atoning for his alleged mistakes? What does that mean for what this settlement means as far as his guilt– and how will this affect future legal procedures? Regardless, check back in with HNHH for more news and the latest updates on Diddy and Cassie.

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Alex Jones Sandy Hook Settlement Could Get Significantly Reduced: Details

November 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Alex Jones is someone who has always been extremely controversial. Overall, his controversial ways have gotten him into a whole lot of trouble. Although he has never really cared about his reputation, he still faces consequences for it. For instance, he was sued for his comments about the Sandy Hook massacre. Essentially, Jones tried to say that the whole thing was a hoax and that the parents were crisis actors. It was a horrible thing to say that came with extreme consequences.

Recently, Jones went to trial over his comments. Subsequently, he was hit with a pretty massive penalty. He was essentially ordered to pay the parents over $1 billion. However, he quickly came out and tried to declare bankruptcy in Texas. With that said, it became clear that it would be extremely difficult for any of the families to get their money. According to Hollywood Unlocked, this has led to a new offer that would see Jones spending a whole lot less.

Alex Jones Back In The Spotlight

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A post shared by HOLLYWOOD UNLOCKED (@hollywoodunlocked)

Essentially, Jones would pay out $85 million, minimum. He would have to pay $8.5 million every year for 10 years. Furthermore, half of every dollar he makes over $9 million would go to the parents. Overall, this is a pretty hefty sum of cash, regardless. However, in Jones’ situation, it is a lot better than the amount that he was going to have to pay out, originally. At the end of the day, his lawyer is still apprehensive, and he has yet to accept the offer.

This is a situation that has been going on for years since he made the original comments. Hopefully, the families finally get some closure. Let us know what you think of all of this, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the world. We will always keep you informed on breaking stories and latest music releases.

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Suge Knight Accuses Diddy Of Paying Cassie Off To Avoid Jail Time

November 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Earlier this month, Cassie filed a bombshell lawsuit against her ex Diddy, which came with a long and damning list of allegations. She accused the Bad Boy Records founder of sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse, and more. Only a day after she filed the suit, they reached a settlement. Diddy has maintained his innocence, insisting that the settlement was in no way an admission of guilt.

Now, Suge Knight has spoken on the matter on his podcast Collect Call With Suge Knight, proposing another theory. He claims that the allegations Cassie made against Diddy didn’t come as a surprise to him, even alleging that he was abusive towards other women in the past. Knight recalled Diddy having an assistant named Capricorn, who kept Cassie’s relationship with Kid Cudi under wraps. He alleges that Diddy physically assaulted her when he found out.

Suge Knight Weighs In On Diddy And Cassie’s Settlement

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Knight continued, recalling a time when Diddy allegedly “beat the sh*t” out of someone from Interscope, and later paid them off to avoid jail. Cassie shared a statement after she reached a settlement with Diddy, claiming that things were handled amicably. “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” she said. “I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”

Diddy shared his own statement with a similar sentiment. “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably,” he said. “I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.” Diddy has since been hit with two additional lawsuits from women accusing him of sexual assault. His third accuser alleges that in the early 90s, he and Aaron Hall raped her and her friend, and Diddy later physically assaulted her. Diddy continues to deny all allegations, calling the suits a “money grab” and accusing his alleged victims of exploiting the Adult Survivors Act. What do you think of Suge Knight’s claims about Cassie and Diddy’s settlement? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Kanye West Reaches Lawsuit Settlement With Ex-Yeezy Employee Over Wage Issues

November 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Kanye West isn’t just dropping singles for his upcoming Ty Dolla $ign collab album; he’s also taking care of other long-awaited, but much more important business. Moreover, according to AllHipHop, he settled a lawsuit from former Yeezy employee Taliah Leslie. From what legal documents indicate, the details of this development are still under wraps in the public eye, so we don’t know how they agreed on the matter. For those unaware, back in 2021, Leslie accused the rapper and various company executives of breaking California labor law in matters of employee classification and benefits. After a long battle in court, it seems like this is one less legal headache for Ye.

Furthermore, the alleged violation of these regulations stems from how Yeezy supposedly classified Leslie’s employment status incorrectly. She alleged that higher-ups, including Kanye, restricted employees from certain wages and benefits by inaccurately classifying them as independent contractors. In addition, he allegedly refused to cover obligatory travel to and from Wyoming and France. Other things that the Chicago native failed to reimburse Leslie for, given her claims, are phone bills, Internet bills, and other trip expenses that she needed to spend in order to do her job. This is not the only lawsuit against Kanye from a former employee.

Kanye West At The Yeezy Season 3 Show In 2016

Kanye West Settlement Lawsuit Ex Employee Yeezy Hip Hop News — NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 11: Kanye West performs during Kanye West Yeezy Season 3 on February 11, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Yeezy Season 3)

Unfortunately for him, this is but a small footnote in the long list of trouble, legal action, and controversy that he must deal with these days. Most recently, that manifested in Kanye West’s apparent altercations with Harley Pasternak, which was one of the oddest stories to come out so far this week. Time will tell whether he’s able to knock off all of these one by one or if other lawsuits will prove more difficult to dismiss. But not even that could change much; after all, the 46-year-old’s return to the public eye hasn’t been the most acclaimed of comebacks.

This reality, paired with other lawsuits concerning Donda Academy and many more, signifies an uphill battle. Perhaps he will turn things around for himself in 2024. Ye has a lot to prove, a lot to repent for, but plenty of resources to fix his wrongs and hopefully learn something in the process. On that note, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Kanye West.

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Cassie Appears Carefee In 1st Public Sighting Since Diddy Settlement

November 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Cassie appeared to be in good spirits in the first public photographs taken since settling her recent bombshell lawsuit against Diddy. Page Six published the pictures, which show her walking around her hometown of New London, Connecticut on Monday afternoon. She’s rocking a gray sweatshirt, with matching sweatpants and sneakers. For the walk, she brought along her 3-year-old daughter Frankie.

The pictures come after the outlet also caught Diddy for the first time since the lawsuit, earlier this week. The Bad Boy mogul appeared in much worse shape, looking stressed and hiding his face in his hands.

Cassie & Diddy Attend Big Sean’s Concert

HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 25: Cassie Ventura (L) and Sean “Diddy” Combs attend Big Sean’s concert hosted by Revolt TV to celebrate his new album ‘Dark Sky Paradise’ at Hollywood & Highland Courtyard on February 25, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images)

Cassie filed the lawsuit against Diddy, last week, accusing him of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Less than 24 hours later, the two settled. “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” Cassie wrote in a statement afterward. “I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.” In his own statement, Diddy added: “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”

Regardless of the settlement, Diddy’s lawyer, Ben Brafman, says his client is not guilty. He wrote: “Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs‘ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.” As for the latest photos of Cassie, we’re not permitted to post the images here directly, but if you’d like to see them, you can do so by clicking the “Via” link below. Be on the lookout for further updates on Diddy and Cassie on HotNewHipHop.

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