MMMG Inc. Sues Cordae Over Album Release Rights
The entertainment company seeks to block the release of a new album while claiming breach of contract and withheld revenue.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Hip-Hop and Rap
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MMMG Inc. has filed a federal lawsuit against rapper Cordae and several record labels to halt the upcoming release of the album Heavy Is The Crown. The company alleges that a 2018 agreement grants it exclusive rights to the artist's recordings and claims it is owed significant unpaid revenue.
Why it matters
This legal challenge highlights disputes over exclusive recording contracts and revenue sharing in the music industry. The lawsuit aims to enforce contractual obligations and secure damages for alleged breaches involving touring and merchandise profits.
MMMG Inc. filed a 20-page complaint in New York federal court seeking $15 million from Cordae. Additional damages of $5 million are sought from the labels for inducing contract breach, plus another $5 million regarding the song A Good Day.
The players
Cordae
Cordae is a Grammy-nominated American rapper known for his lyrical focus and previous work with the YBN collective.
MMMG Inc.
MMMG Inc. is an entertainment company that maintains a longstanding business relationship and recording contract with the artist Cordae.
EMPIRE
EMPIRE is an American distribution company and record label that provides services for independent musicians and artists.
Mass Appeal
Mass Appeal is a multifaceted media and entertainment company that operates a record label and focuses on hip-hop culture.
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records is a major American record label that previously maintained a distribution agreement with the artist before its termination in 2025.
The details
The lawsuit names EMPIRE, APESHIT, and Mass Appeal as defendants alongside Cordae, alleging they ignored an April 2018 exclusive recording agreement. MMMG Inc. further claims that Cordae failed to pay shares from merchandise and touring, even after the company secured a new distribution deal with Stem following the September 2025 termination of an Atlantic Records agreement.
Timeline
April 2018: MMMG Inc. and Cordae entered a recording agreement.
September 2, 2025: Atlantic Records terminated its distribution agreement.
September 16, 2026: The song A Good Day was released.
October 15, 2026: MMMG Inc. filed the lawsuit in New York.
October 23, 2026: The album Heavy Is The Crown is scheduled for release.
Industry Dynamics
This lawsuit reflects ongoing tensions in the music industry regarding artist exclusivity and the complexities of distribution transitions. Such disputes are increasingly common as artists move between independent labels and distribution services like Stem or EMPIRE.
The potential injunction could impact the availability of the album Heavy Is The Crown across streaming platforms on its scheduled release date. Fans should monitor major music services to see if the release proceeds as planned or faces court-ordered delays.
The takeaway
Contract disputes often disrupt anticipated release cycles in the modern music business. Listeners should be prepared for potential delays when legal battles over distribution and exclusivity reach the federal court system.
What happens next
The album Heavy Is The Crown is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026, which remains the primary target for the requested injunction.
Further reading
Learn more about the business of music by visiting the Hip-Hop and Rap section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HOT 97.
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