‘Best Part’ hitmaker H.E.R. is looking to part ways with her longtime label home MBK Entertainment, and – as a new lawsuit reveals – she has no problem using the courts to make it happen.
Details inside:
According to legal documents cited by the Blast, the Grammy and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter (born Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson) is suing MBK Entertainment for “declaratory relief and violation of the business and professions code” – a move that could see her win the rights to her music catalog and be released from contract with the imprint.
The record label is owned by her longtime manager Jeff Robinson and has been her musical home for years as she first signed with him in 2011, when she was only 14-years-old. As of time of this report, it is not clear if her dispute with the label extends to Jeff and/or if she’s seeking to terminate her professional relationship with him as well.
However, the lawsuit shows that H.E.R. does allege he fired the law firm that first represented her due to wanting “his own lawyers to represent Wilson in the negotiation of subsequent contracts, including publishing and touring agreements.”
In documents obtained by The Blast, the contract lists H.E.R. as an “exclusive employee” for an “initial period” which “ended the later of 15 months after May 19, 2011, or 12 months after the commercial release in the United States of Wilson’s first album under the contract, and up to five additional Option Periods of more than one year each.” The documents state “each Option Period is keyed to a commercial release by MBK of a record album.” Thus far, H.E.R. has released one studio album, Back Of My Mind, and two compilation EPs. The complaint doesn’t explicitly detail how MBK defines a commercial album release.
The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California in Los Angeles County on Thursday (June 16). At writing, H.E.R. has not made a public statement on the matter.
No other label will do what Jeff did for her. On paper she’s a flop but let them tell it she’s a legend.
Idk how well they managed her or whatever but u are right as much praise as she gets on paper she’s definitely a flop. I don’t understand how she doesn’t do numbers with so many ppl kissing her ends.
He did something similar to Alicia Keys when she was young as well.
Go cry to her daddy💅🏾 What music catalogs? She has hits??????