Brief
Cordae sued for $25 million over alleged breach of exclusive record deal
MMMG Inc. alleges Cordae breached a 2018 exclusive contract by issuing the upcoming album Heavy is the Crown with Anderson .Paak’s label APESHIT.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Florida‑based label MMMG Inc. filed a lawsuit on Oct. 15, 2026 accusing rapper YBN Cordae of breaching an exclusive recording contract by releasing a collaborative album with Anderson .Paak titled Heavy is the Crown on Oct. 23, 2026.
What happened
According to the complaint obtained by Billboard, MMMG signed Cordae to an exclusive deal in 2018 and released his first two albums with Atlantic Records distribution. The label says it owns 100 % of Cordae’s recorded copyrights and controls his merchandise, touring and endorsement revenue. MMMG alleges Cordae has been selling merch independently and, in August 2026, announced the new album with APESHIT, Mass Appeal and EMPIRE without MMMG’s consent.
What the report adds
Billboard notes that MMMG sent a cease‑and‑desist letter after the album’s announcement, which Cordae allegedly ignored. The lawsuit also claims Cordae’s lawyers argue the contract is void because MMMG switched distributors from Atlantic to Stem in 2025, a claim MMMG calls “utterly lacking in merit.” The complaint seeks $25 million in damages and adds copyright and tortious‑interference claims against APESHIT, Mass Appeal and EMPIRE.
What was said
The complaint states, “Rather than live up to his commitments, Cordae prefers to put his head in the sand and pretend that the agreement does not even exist.” MMMG’s filing adds, “Before filing this lawsuit, MMMG gave Defendants ample time to correct their behavior and fully compensate MMMG for the harm that they caused.” Representatives for Cordae, APESHIT, Mass Appeal and EMPIRE did not immediately return requests for comment, according to Billboard.
How it came about
MMMG’s lawsuit follows a pattern of recent music‑industry disputes, such as the Oct. 9, 2026 lawsuit by UMG against Summer Walker over alleged unpaid album obligations, which Felo previously covered.
Key facts
- MMMG Inc. sued Cordae for $25 million alleging breach of an exclusive 2018 record contract. (billboard.com)
- The dispute centers on Cordae’s planned release of the collaborative album Heavy is the Crown with Anderson .Paak on Oct. 23, 2026. (billboard.com)
- MMMG claims it owns 100 % of Cordae’s recorded copyrights and rights to his merch, touring and endorsements. (billboard.com)
- Cordae’s legal team argues the contract is invalid because MMMG changed distributors from Atlantic to Stem in 2025. (billboard.com)
- Representatives for Cordae, APESHIT, Mass Appeal and EMPIRE did not immediately comment. (billboard.com)
Sources
- [1] billboard.com — originally reported as “Cordae Faces $25 Million Lawsuit Claiming Anderson .Paak Collab Album Breaches Record Deal”
