Rapper The Game has taken major music conglomerates to court, filing a high-stakes lawsuit through his independent label, 100 Entertainment. Filed on Wednesday, September 30, in California Superior Court, the legal action targets Universal Music Group (UMG) and Virgin Music Group for alleged breach of contract. The suit centers on claims that the companies failed to properly market and promote his 2022 studio album, Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind.
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Verify & Continue ReadingAccording to court documents obtained by industry outlets, 100 Entertainment entered into an exclusive distribution deal with Virgin Music Group for the release of the expansive 30-track project. However, the lawsuit alleges that UMG neglected its financial obligations under the partnership, severely undermining the commercial trajectory of the record.
Breakdown of the Alleged Marketing Shortfall
At the heart of the complaint is an unfulfilled financial commitment regarding promotional spending. The lawsuit claims that UMG promised a $500,000 recoupable marketing fund to support the rollout of Drillmatic. Instead of deploying the full amount, the conglomerates allegedly spent only $179,274.79.
The legal filing details several specific areas where funding was reportedly withheld or completely omitted:
- Radio Promotion: The suit claims that zero dollars out of a designated $125,000 radio promotion allocation were spent.
- Music Videos: Out of a promised $170,000 budget earmarked for visual assets, only $87,947.58 was reportedly utilized.
- Digital Opportunities: Key digital promotional strategies during the critical release window were allegedly passed over.
Because of these alleged deficiencies, 100 Entertainment claims it was forced to step in and cover a substantial portion of out-of-pocket expenses to keep the rollout moving. This included financing the production costs for the music video for the single “Stupid,” featuring Big Sean-expenses that the label asserts have still not been reimbursed by UMG.
Impact on ‘Drillmatic’ Commercial Performance
Released on August 12, 2022, Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind served as The Game’s eleventh solo studio album. Boasting a massive tracklist, the LP featured heavyweight guest appearances from artists including Ye (formerly Kanye West), Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Chris Brown, Meek Mill, A$AP Rocky, and Roddy Ricch. Despite the star-studded roster, the album debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and spent just two weeks on the chart.
Michael Trauben, the attorney representing 100 Entertainment, emphasized the direct correlation between the alleged lack of backing and the album’s chart results in the official complaint:
“Deprived of nearly two-thirds of its bargained-for promotional support during the critical release cycle, the album did not perform as it would have had Defendants administered the marketing and promotion fund as the parties approved.”
The legal team argues that the diminished commercial performance resulted in direct financial harm, costing the independent label vital royalties, streaming income, and overall sales revenue.
Damages and Prior Legal Posture
As a result of the alleged contractual breach, 100 Entertainment is seeking at least $500,000 in damages, alongside coverage for legal expenses and attorneys’ fees. The exact final figure for lost royalties and streaming revenue is slated to be proven at trial.
Prior to the filing of the lawsuit, legal communications between the parties indicated that UMG and Virgin Music Group denied any breach of contract. Representatives for UMG have not yet issued a formal public statement regarding the newly filed litigation.
