Jermaine Dupri settles $18M royalty lawsuit with Sony Music

Jermaine Dupri and his label, So So Def Recordings, have resolved their $18 million lawsuit against Sony Music Entertainment. A notice filed in Manhattan federal court indicates the parties reached a settlement, leading Dupri’s attorneys to voluntarily dismiss the action without prejudice.

The lawsuit, originally filed in July, accused Sony of a “systemic pattern” of using “contemptuous accounting practices” to underpay royalties over a 32-year business relationship. The claims involved major artists under the So So Def umbrella, including Mariah Carey, Usher, Xscape, Da Brat, Kris Kross, and Bow Wow.

Because the dismissal was filed “without prejudice,” the legal door remains open for Dupri to refile if the terms of the private resolution are not met. The specific financial terms, payment schedules, or accounting adjustments resulting from the settlement have not been disclosed.