Summer Walker faces $50 million lawsuit from interscope over record deal
TheGrio...
The R&B singer Summer Walker is challenging the enforceability of a recording contract she signed in 2017, while Interscope Records alleges she still owes two studio albums and an EP.
Summer Walker is facing a lawsuit from Interscope Records seeking more than $50 million in damages after she attempted to terminate her recording contract under California’s seven-year rule. The label filed the complaint on Oct. 9 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, arguing that Walker has not delivered all the recordings required under her agreement.
According to reporting by The Jasmine Brand, Walker notified Interscope in August that she intended to stop performing under the agreement, citing California law that generally limits personal-service contracts to seven years. Interscope argues that the contract still carries outstanding recording obligations. The label says Walker agreed to deliver five studio albums but has released three that count toward the commitment: “Over It” (2019), “Still Over It” (2021), and “Finally Over It” (2025).
The label contends that two additional studio albums and an EP remain outstanding and is seeking damages for the recordings it says were not delivered. The amount, if any, that Summer Walker may ultimately owe has not been determined by a court.
California’s seven-year rule generally limits how long a person can be required to provide personal services under a contract. However, a provision added to the law in 1987 allows record labels to pursue damages when artists invoke the rule before fulfilling their recording commitments.
The lawsuit has also renewed scrutiny of Summer Walker’s original deal. Rolling Stone reported that the agreement included an initial $110,000 advance and a 16% royalty rate for her first two albums, with royalties subject to recoupment of advances and other costs.
Interscope has said it hopes to reach an amicable resolution and remains open to continuing its relationship with Walker. Her attorney, Keith Moten, said the singer intends to vigorously defend against the label’s claims and pursue appropriate legal relief.