Why is Shaboozey suing Warner Chappell? Lawsuit against music publisher explored

Country singer Shaboozey has filed a lawsuit against Warner Chappell Music. The singer alleged that the music publisher is hindering his efforts to exit a contractual agreement, according to TMZ. The lawsuit was filed on August 21, 2024, in Los Angeles. It accuses Warner of failing to provide crucial financial information that would allow the artist to buy his way out of the deal, as per a specific contractual provision.

The lawsuit also claims that the singer's former record label, Kreshendo Entertainment, may be influencing Warner's actions. This is allegedly being done to keep the Nigerian-born American singer tied to the contract.

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Shaboozey's fight for music intensifies

Shaboozey, born Collins Obinna Chibueze, was propelled to fame due to the success of his chart-topping A Bar Song (Tipsy). The genre-blending track dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks in 2024. The success, however, has culminated in a legal dispute with Warner Chappell.

The core of the dispute can be traced back to an administration deal. The country singer signed a contract with Warner-Tamerlane, a unit of Warner Chappell Music. As per his legal team, the contract includes an acceleration clause. It allows the singer to terminate the deal by repaying 110% of the unrecouped balance of prior advances.

However, his attorneys claim that Warner has refused to disclose the amount required to buy out the contract. This makes it so that the singer's efforts to exit the deal are being hindered. In the lawsuit, his lawyer, Todd Bonder, argues that Warren's conduct is a clear violation of the administration agreement. According to Billboard, he notes that transparency in such matters was mandated, but not adhered to, saying

“To date, Warner has refused to disclose to plaintiff the total amount of the unrecouped balance of prior advances it made. Warner’s conduct violates the administration agreement signed between the parties.”

He then added,

"Kreshendo and [others] have instructed Warner not to provide plaintiff the total unrecouped balance related to advances made with respect to the compositions or has refused to authorize Warner to provide such information."

The lawsuit also names Kreshendo Entertainment, Shaboozey's former record label. Accusations revolve around the record label allegedly playing a huge role in Warner's refusal to provide the necessary information. The country singer terminated his contract with Kreshendo in 2019. He subsequently signed with Empire and took over Kreshendo's position in the deal with Warner-Tamerlane.

As per the legal filing, the singer believes that Kreshendo instructed Warner not to disclose the unrecouped balance. The lawsuit also alleges that Kreshendo is attempting to retain a stake in Shaboozey's future earnings. This is especially true in light of the massive success of A Bar Song (Tipsy).

Coupled with the allegations relating to the buyout clause, Shaboozey is also suing Kreshendo for releasing three of his songs- More, Joan Jett, and Prosperity- without his permission, after the contract was terminated in 2019. The singer's legal team contends that such actions serve as proof of Kreshendo's ongoing interference with the artist's rights and career.

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Shaboozey is looking to claim complete control of his music and publishing rights. The artist's team has yet to receive responses from the representatives of Warner Chappell and Kreshendo.