Rapper Lil Durk, born Durk Derrick Banks, is facing a legal battle as New York-based fintech startup Exceed Talent Capital filed a lawsuit on December 6, accusing him of attempting to sell the rights to his song “Bedtime” to multiple parties. The lawsuit alleges that Lil Durk engaged in fraudulent activities by entering into conflicting agreements, causing financial harm and reputational damage to Exceed Talent Capital.
Exceed Talent Capital claims that Lil Durk, along with his manager Andrew “Dilla” Bonsu, Only The Family Entertainment, Inc., Only the Family (OTF) label, and TTPMG CEO Oretha Lee, entered negotiations with the fintech startup in the summer of 2022. The discussions centered around the transfer of rights to the song “Bedtime,” with assurances from Durk’s team that they had the legal authority to make such an agreement.
Alleged Fraudulent Activity
Exceed Talent Capital asserts that they paid $600,000 to acquire the rights to “Bedtime,” only to discover that Lil Durk had previously assigned the same rights to another party under his exclusive recording agreement with Sony Music Entertainment’s Alamo Records. The lawsuit claims that Bonsu and Lee assured Exceed of their legal authority, leading to financial losses for the fintech startup.
Upon being notified by Alamo Records in May about Durk’s existing exclusive recording agreement, Exceed Talent Capital was forced to return the funds invested by third parties. This, according to the lawsuit, resulted in reputational damage and strained relationships with partners and investors, leading to a total claim of $12 million in damages sustained by the fintech startup.
Implications for Lil Durk
The legal proceedings pose potential consequences for Lil Durk, who now faces allegations of fraudulent dealings that could impact his financial standing and reputation within the music industry. The lawsuit against Lil Durk by Exceed Talent Capital sheds light on the complexities of intellectual property rights and the potential pitfalls when artists navigate multiple contracts. As the legal battle unfolds, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency and clarity in contractual agreements within the entertainment industry. The outcome will not only impact Lil Durk’s standing but may also set a precedent for future cases involving artists, record labels, and fintech entities.