Megan Thee Stallion is once again locked in a legal dispute with her label, 1501 Certified Entertainment, over the classification of her music project Something For Thee Hotties. This dispute, which dates back to the release of the project in November 2021, centers on whether the collection meets the contractual definition of an “album”.
Megan’s Lawsuit Against 1501 Label
In February 2022, Megan filed a lawsuit against 1501 Certified Entertainment, arguing that Something For Thee Hotties qualifies as an album under her contractual terms. According to her legal team, the contract defines an album solely based on a runtime of at least 45 minutes. Something For Thee Hotties reportedly meets this requirement with a length of 45 minutes and 2 seconds. This project, a compilation of previously released B-sides and loosies, was intended to fulfill her obligations and advance her career toward independence from 1501.
1501 Certified Entertainment’s Countersuit
On March 21, 1501 struck back with a countersuit that challenges Megan’s claim. The label argues that Something For Thee Hotties should not count as an album, stating it’s composed largely of old material, including spoken interludes and other tracks that had been previously released. According to 1501, the project doesn’t align with their expectations for an album and was published without their approval. The label’s legal team demands that a judge officially declare that Something For Thee Hotties doesn’t meet the album criteria, asserting that Megan still owes them more new music.
Financial Demands and Sponsorships
In addition to disputing the project’s status, 1501 Certified Entertainment claims Megan has not adhered to her contract in terms of revenue sharing. The label is pushing for a cut of Megan’s earnings from collaborations, sponsorships, and endorsements, estimating that these engagements could be worth over a million dollars.
Ongoing Tension Between Megan and 1501
Megan’s ongoing struggle with 1501 Certified Entertainment dates back to 2020, when she first raised concerns over contract restrictions. In that year, she took to social media to accuse her label of blocking the release of new music and refusing to negotiate fair terms. This prompted her to file a lawsuit demanding her contract termination. In a key legal victory, Megan was granted a temporary restraining order allowing her to release her project Suga. In 2021, she faced further roadblocks when 1501 attempted to prevent her from releasing her featured verse on BTS’s “Butter” remix. However, she secured an injunction that enabled the track’s release.
A Complex Legal Battle
The escalating conflict between Megan Thee Stallion and 1501 Certified Entertainment highlights a broader industry struggle over artist autonomy and contractual disputes. As Megan continues to assert her independence, the outcome of this latest lawsuit could set a significant precedent regarding artist rights and label obligations.
With the case pending, both parties await the judge’s decision on whether Something For Thee Hotties will be recognized as an album and if 1501 is entitled to additional financial compensation from Megan’s business ventures.
