Legendary R&B singer, Keith Sweat, has been making headlines recently for more than just his chart-topping hits. The 59-year-old artist has taken a stand against his record label, SRG/ILS Group, in a lawsuit that he hopes will set an example for younger artists in the industry.
In an exclusive interview with Billboard, Sweat opened up about his decision to take legal action against his label. He explained that his main goal is to pave the way for other artists to stand up for their rights and not be taken advantage of by their record labels.
Sweat, who has been in the music industry for over three decades, has had a successful career with numerous hit songs and albums. However, like many artists, he has faced his fair share of challenges and struggles with his record label. He revealed that he has not received any royalty payments from SRG/ILS Group for his music in over a year.
The singer also expressed his disappointment with the lack of support and communication from his label. He stated, “I’ve been with the label for almost 10 years, and I’ve never been to the office. I’ve never met the CEO. I’ve never met the president. I’ve never met anybody. I’ve never been to a Christmas party. I’ve never been to a label meeting. Nothing.”
Sweat’s lawsuit against SRG/ILS Group is not just about his own personal experience, but also about fighting for the rights of all artists. He hopes that his actions will inspire and encourage younger artists to stand up for themselves and their work.
He stated, “I hope this will be a blueprint for younger artists to know that they have rights, and they should fight for their rights. Don’t let people take advantage of you. Don’t let people use you. Don’t let people abuse you.”
Sweat’s message is clear – artists should not be afraid to speak up and demand what they deserve. With the rise of streaming services and the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, it is important for artists to protect their rights and ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work.
The R&B icon also emphasized the importance of educating oneself about the business side of the music industry. He urged artists to read their contracts carefully and seek legal advice if needed. He believes that knowledge is power and artists should not rely solely on their labels to handle their affairs.
Sweat’s lawsuit has already made an impact in the industry, with many artists and industry professionals showing their support for him. He hopes that his actions will bring about positive change and create a fairer and more transparent system for artists.
In addition to his legal battle, Sweat is also gearing up for the release of his new album, “Playing for Keeps,” which is set to drop on October 26th. Despite the challenges he is facing, the singer remains focused on his music and is excited to share his new project with his fans.
In conclusion, Keith Sweat’s lawsuit against SRG/ILS Group is not just about seeking justice for himself, but also about standing up for the rights of all artists. His courage and determination to fight for what is right is commendable and serves as an inspiration for others in the industry. Let us hope that his actions will bring about positive change and create a better environment for artists in the music industry.
