Brandy is finally free! Well, almost.
The R&B belle has been locked in litigation with her former label and the battle has ultimately blocked her from releasing new material.
That hold-up looks to be over, though.
Find out why below…
TJB reports that both Brandy and Chameleon Entertainment have reached a settlement in their legal wrangle over rights to release music.
Said agreement will see her initial suit and their countersuit dismissed upon sign-off from a judge.
To refresh on the drama…
Brandy signed a deal with the Breyon Presscott imprint and, after partnering up with RCA for distribution, released ‘Two Eleven’ in 2012.
Issues abound though come the time to release a second project under the partnership.
Both parties agreed that a different distributor ought to be sought out for the follow-up to ‘Two Eleven’. However, problems surfaced when – according to Brandy – Chameleon bailed on funding the said project (in the way they funded the first).
She also took issue with the alleged pressure they put on her to focus on non musical ventures such as Broadway (as a means to recoup on their 360 deal).
Ultimately, she sued for release from her contract and to be awarded the coins promised per the agreement.
Chameleon denied everything and downed the singer, claiming she was angling for publicity and that it was they who took a risk signing her – citing a lack of major commercial success in the years prior to their deal.
They went on to counter-sue her for releasing a new song without their approval, 2016’s ‘Beggin & Pleadin”, demanded she stop selling the song, and reminded that all music she records while under contract to them belongs to them. Additionally, they lobbied for her case to be dismissed and damages awarded…to them.
Still following?
Well, things took an interesting turn in June last year when B-Rocka filled (another) counter-suit stating that Chameleon isn’t in a position to sue her because the company:
“…was legally dissolved by proclamation or annulment of authority by the New York Secretary of State for failure to file and/or pay franchise tax returns for two or more years.”
Now, it appears the issue is indeed going soon away and Ms. Norwood will finally be able to release music without the cloud of uncertainty over her.
Bring on the new album already!