Shocker! Jermaine Dupri Files $18 Million Lawsuit Against Sony Over Alleged Unpaid Royalties

Jermaine Dupri is preparing for battle, and it’s a legal one.

The music mogul is taking Sony to court, alleging the music giant failed to pay millions in royalties owed to his So So Def Recordings imprint.

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According to newly filed legal documents sourced by TMZ, the producer and executive claims revised royalty statements issued in 2023 sparked concerns over years of alleged accounting discrepancies.

A follow-up audit in 2025 reportedly uncovered what Dupri says were underreported earnings and unpaid royalties tied to a string of blockbuster releases.

The lawsuit names projects involving Mariah Carey, Usher, Kris Kross, Escape, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, Bow Wow and others, with Dupri alleging So So Def was shortchanged on numerous releases. He also claims royalty payments connected to his production work for Carey and Usher remain incomplete, with the full amount still being assessed.

As the legal battle gets underway, Dupri and his companies are seeking at least $18 million in damages in addition to interest.