2Pac’s Estate Is Suing Universal Music Group Over Lost Masters

According to legal documents obtained by the New York Times, 2Pac’s estate has decided to take action against Universal Music Group over the 2008 fire that consumed multiple master recordings. Some of the recordings included were from multiple big-name rappers, including the likes of Eminem, 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg, among others.

The fire is said to have allegedly destroyed over 100,000 audio clippings, with more than 500,000 total master recordings being lost in the fire. UMG has stated that the numbers and rumors provided offer “inaccuracies, misleading statements, contradictions, and fundamental misunderstandings.”

Rock bands Soundgarden and Hole, the singer-songwriter Steve Earle and a former wife of Tom Petty have also filed a lawsuit against UMG in Los Angeles. Other acts affected by the fire include Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Elton John, Nirvana and The Roots.

The lawsuit accuses Universal Music Group of breaching its contracts with artists by failing to properly protect the tapes. According to the suit, Universal had a duty to share the income received as settlements from the fire, as well as other expenses lost due to the fire.

The claim seeks damages of more than $100 million.