Sir Jinx, the longtime producer for Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, has filed a lawsuit against Warner Music Group, Atlantic Records, and Universal Music Group, demanding unpaid royalties for his work on Yo-Yo’s 1991 debut album Make My Way To The Motherlode.
The lawsuit claims that Sir Jinx is owed $62,090 in royalties for producing Yo-Yo’s hit single “You Can’t Play With My Yo Yo.”
In addition to the financial claim, Sir Jinx argues that he has already paid income taxes on the royalties he expected to receive, further compounding the financial strain.
The lawsuit accuses the record labels of breach of contract, bad faith dealings, and unjust enrichment. Sir Jinx is also requesting a full accounting of the royalty records to trace the missing funds.
This legal battle highlights the ongoing challenges artists and producers face in ensuring they receive fair compensation for their contributions.
For Sir Jinx, this fight is about more than moneyโit’s about preserving the legacy of his work in shaping the West Coast rap scene.
Yo-Yo, known for her pioneering role in West Coast hip-hop, transitioned into acting and video games after her music career.
Her album Make My Way To The Motherlode cemented her status as a legend, influencing future female rap stars like Lady of Rage, Saweetie, and Kamaiyah.