Lisa Mugo
Hip‑hop veteran Cam’ron has filed a lawsuit against J. Cole and Universal Music Group (UMG), claiming he has not been properly credited or compensated for his contribution to the track “Ready ’24”, which appears on Cole’s 2024 mixtape, Might Delete Later.
According to court documents, Cam’ron recorded a verse and contributed lyrics to the song in June 2022. He alleges that J. Cole had agreed to reciprocate the collaboration by either appearing on one of Cam’ron’s tracks or featuring on Cam’ron’s podcast, It Is What It Is.
Cam’ron claims that despite repeated follow-ups over 2023 and 2024, Cole did not fulfill this agreement.The lawsuit seeks recognition of Cam’ron as a co-author of “Ready ’24”, a full accounting of earnings generated by the track, and compensation for his contribution, which Cam’ron estimates could exceed $500,000.
Legal experts note that disputes over collaborations in the music industry are common, particularly when agreements are informal or verbal. Cam’ron’s legal team argues that the verbal commitment constituted a binding agreement and that the lack of follow-through constitutes a breach of contract.
Industry analysts say the case underscores the importance of formal contracts and proper documentation for collaborations, even between established artists. Recognition and credit not only affect royalty payments but also impact reputation and career trajectory.
Fans have reacted on social media with a mix of surprise and support for both artists. Some emphasize the importance of honoring agreements, while others highlight the complexities of the music business, where informal promises are sometimes commonplace.
The outcome of this case could have broader implications for the hip-hop industry, particularly concerning the treatment of guest artists, the enforceability of verbal agreements, and transparency in crediting contributions to recordings.J. Cole’s representatives have not yet issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit. Legal observers anticipate that the proceedings could set a notable precedent in disputes over collaborative works in music.
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