Missy Elliott has averted a authorized showdown in courtroom. After a seven-year authorized battle with producer Terry Williams, who claimed he co-wrote a few of her iconic ’90s tracks, the rap legend settled the dispute simply days earlier than trial. The case has been brewing perpetually, and at one level, it even noticed Aaliyah’s title dragged into the grievance. Right here’s a breakdown of what occurred…
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Particulars On Missy Elliott’s Ongoing Lawsuit
For seven years, Missy Elliott has been tangled in a lawsuit with Terry Williams, a former collaborator who swore he co-wrote 4 songs for her, per Sizzling New Hip Hop. These tracks had been reportedly from her group Sista’s 1994 album, ‘4 All of the Sistas Round Da World.’ Terry claimed in his grievance that Elliott printed their joint work with out giving him credit score or royalties. He even talked about Aaliyah’s 1996 tune ‘Heartbroken’ within the go well with, alleging he was entitled to compensation and credit score. However the courtroom rejected his request. In August 2024, U.S. District Decide Nitza Quiñones Alejandro dismissed Terry’s declare about Aaliyah’s tune as a result of he waited over two a long time to increase the difficulty.
The Motive Behind The Lengthy Delay In Missy’s Lawsuit
However the case wasn’t over. Terry continued to struggle for recognition as a co-author on the Sistas tracks, in addition to damages for breach of contract, and compensation for what he known as “unjust enrichment.” Elliott, alternatively, claimed she had written the songs on her personal whereas staying agency on defending her legacy as a songwriter. The dispute carried on, with Terry representing himself after his lawyer reportedly bailed in 2019, throughout which period some claims towards document labels and Timbaland had been additionally dismissed.
By August, jury choice was about to start out in a Philadelphia federal courtroom. And on August 22, a settlement was reached, saving Missy from a trial altogether. It’s value noting that particular particulars relating to the settlement haven’t been publicly disclosed.
Missy Not too long ago Made Headlines For Her Futuristic Coachella Efficiency
Whereas authorized drama tried to sluggish her roll, Missy was out right here stealing the present at Coachella in April. She pulled up like a Transformer, rising from a automotive exoskeleton to a futuristic match, kicking off with ‘Throw It Again.’ The group misplaced it as she ran by means of hits like ‘Work It,’ ‘Get Ur Freak On,’ and ‘Lose Management,’ with slick choreography and a stage design that had the desert turnt. And no particular company wanted… she carried the stage on her personal, proving why she’s a residing legend at 54.
Following her present, Missy took to Instagram, thanking followers for the love and assist they confirmed throughout her set. In an IG publish shared in April, she wrote, “I LOVE yall & I had a lot enjoyable with yall! Yall was on 100🆙 🧨 Spaceship #757 is taking off now however I’ll see you someplace.”
See a number of the clips beneath…
@flighthouseradio Bro what’s going on 😭 #missyelliot #coachella
@spark_pj Missy Elliott – Coachella 2025 #coachella2025 #missyelliott #icon #livemusic #rap #hiphop #masterpiece #legend #rnb
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