2Pac’s Estate Is Suing Universal Music Group Over Masters Lost In “2018 Fire”
2Pac’s estate is listed among the plaintiffs in the $100 million lawsuit against UMG.
Of all the parties affected by this erasure, the estates of Tom Petty and Tupac Shakur figure as the major proponents in the lawsuit. Bands such as Hole and Soundgarden are also implicated in a far less latent capacity. The fire in question is alleged to have destroyed over 100,000 audio clippings, to the effect of 500,000 total master recordings (songs per diem) – numbers UMG claim are informed by “inaccuracies, misleading statements, contradictions, and fundamental misunderstandings.” They, the Universal Music Group, nonetheless expressed a need to maintain a code of transparency with respect to the artists under their banner (archival).
The legal documentation reportedly states that UMG failed to uphold their obligation “protect” the master copies. What exactly that entails, is subject to interpretation. The lawsuit also claims that none of the artists affected by the 2008 fire have ever received compensation for their losses. The consortium is seeking over $100 million in damages. Keep it locked updates on the developing story, as they become readily available.
