A federal judge has dismissed the lawsuit filed by iconic hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa against Universal Music Group (UMG). The suit, initiated in May 2025, centered on allegations that UMG removed the group’s music from streaming platforms in apparent retaliation for Salt-N-Pepa’s efforts to reclaim ownership of their master recordings.

According to court documents, Salt-N-Pepa, comprised of Cheryl James (Salt) and Sandra Denton (Pepa), accused UMG of violating the terms of their original contract. They claimed the label’s actions were a deliberate attempt to devalue their catalog and hinder their pursuit of greater control over their intellectual property. The lawsuit sought damages and a restoration of their music to streaming services.

Details surrounding the judge’s reasoning for dismissing the case have not been fully released, but legal experts suggest the court found insufficient evidence to support the claims of retaliatory removal. The decision marks a significant setback for Salt-N-Pepa in their ongoing quest to regain rights to their influential body of work, which includes hits like “Push It” and “Shoop.”

Salt-N-Pepa rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, becoming one of the most successful female rap groups of all time. Their music has had a lasting impact on popular culture, paving the way for future generations of female artists in the hip-hop genre. The dispute with UMG highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between artists and record labels regarding ownership and control of musical copyrights, a recurring issue in the music industry.

While the lawsuit is dismissed, it’s unclear if Salt-N-Pepa will pursue further legal action or explore alternative options for regaining control of their music catalog. Representatives for both Salt-N-Pepa and UMG have not yet issued detailed statements regarding the court’s decision.