The rap group 2 Live Crew has won a major court case to reclaim their music rights. This victory marks the end of a long legal struggle over their catalog, which includes iconic albums from the 1980s. Known for their bold stance on free speech, 2 Live Crew now has full control over their creative works. Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, the group’s frontman, expressed his joy on social media, saying, “We got all of our [stuff] back from Lil’ Joe Weinberger.”

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Long Fight for Music Rights

Four years ago, Campbell and the heirs of Christopher Wong Won (Fresh Kid Ice) and Mark Ross (Brother Marquis) began their legal journey to regain 2 Live Crew’s music rights from Lil’ Joe Records. U.S. copyright law allows creators to reclaim ownership of their work 35 years after its release. The group targeted albums like The 2 Live Crew Is What We Are, Move Somethin’, and As Nasty As They Wanna Be, which were pivotal in hip-hop history.

Court Ruling Favors 2 Live Crew

Lil’ Joe Records had acquired 2 Live Crew’s catalog during Campbell’s bankruptcy in 1996, claiming that the music was “work for hire.” However, the court ruled that the group members were independent creators. Judge Darrin P. Gayles confirmed that copyright termination rights are personal and cannot be transferred, even in bankruptcy cases. This ruling restored ownership of the catalog to the group.

Campbell Celebrates Victory

“God is so good,” Campbell declared after the ruling. “You just gotta believe.” With this outcome, 2 Live Crew not only regains their music rights but also reaffirms their legacy in hip-hop.