2 Live Crew leader Luther Campbell to pay $1.6 mil. in royalty suit

Jet, Nov 21, 1994

Rap artist Luther Campbell, the leader of 2 Live Crew, has been ordered to pay $1.6 million to a rapper who sued Campbell saying he didn't get all the money he was promised for songs recorded on Campbell's record label.

Peter Jones, known as MC Shy D, sued for breach of contract and misrepresentation over the albums Gotta Be Tough and Comin' Correct in '88.

Miami Circuit Judge Peter Capua ruled Campbell "radically understated the number of albums sold and vastly overstated expenses properly deducted from (Jones') royalties," Jones' lawyer Steven Peretz said.

Under their agreement, proceeds from album sales were to be split 80 percent for Campbell's record company and 20 percent for Jones. Peretz said Campbell was claiming expenses from Jones' share.

Campbell plans to appeal, saying he can't get a fair trial in his hometown of Miami without a jury.