28 Years Later: Tupac’s ‘Dear Mama’ Faces Copyright Infringement Claims

The timeless classic “Dear Mama” by Tupac Shakur is now at the center of a copyright infringement lawsuit. Master Tee, a co-producer of the track, has accused a producer, Interscope Records, and Universal Music Group of allegedly withholding additional publishing royalties. 

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According to a report from Music Business Worldwide, Master Tee, also known as Terence Thomas, alleges that he not only co-produced “Dear Mama” but also co-wrote and co-published the iconic song. 

Thomas has accused producer Tony D. Pizarro, Interscope Records, and Universal Music Group of allegedly withholding additional publishing royalties. He claims that Tupac had confirmed his credits for co-writing and co-publishing account, with “hand-written credits,” and a 1996 interview, where the late rapper allegedly stated:

 “Master Tee gave me the beat.”

In the filing, Master Tee is characterized as a NYC bus driver for 26 years who is “not a sophisticated business person.” The lawsuit characterizes the defendants as a “self-serving group” that misappropriated Master Tee’s publishing and master recording copyrights. 

“Dear Mama” served as the lead single for Tupac’s 1995 album, Me Against the World, and has gained recognition as one of three hip-hop tracks added to the Library of Congress. 

The legal complaint also includes networks such as Hulu, FX Networks, and Disney as defendants due to the release of the Emmy–nominated docuseries, Dear Mama, in 2023. Additionally, the docuseries has also been granted a Grammy nod for “Best Music Film,” making this Tupac’s second Grammy nomination.

In his legal action, Master Tee is seeking royalties that he believes are owed to him, alongside damages for “copy infringement, unjust enrichment, and theft of intellectual property.” Additionally, Master Tee is asking for an injunction to halt the collection of any further royalties from the song until the lawsuit is resolved.

Copy infringement lawsuits have become prevalent in the music industry, as artists continue to face legal battles over the unlicensed use of elements in their songs. Rapper NLE Choppa recently found himself entangled in a copyright infringement lawsuit over his 2020 hit song, “Who TF Up In My Trap,” as Rodney O alleged that “unauthorized elements” from his 1987 song, “Everlasting Bass,” were used.

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Written by Yasmine Duhé

Yasmine Duhé, a Louisiana native, has always harbored a deep passion for music. She possesses a fervent love for creating and producing imaginative content that can be enjoyed by all.

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