Defsounds

Hip Hop legend and super producer Dr. Dre has sued the new owners of Death Row Records for unpaid royalties and for re-releasing his his 1996 classic album The Chronic without permission from the good doctor.

Dr. Dre has filed suit in federal court in Los Angeles against WIDEawake/Death Row Records. The lawsuit states that Dre has not been paid any royalties on the original release of The Chronic album since he split ways with Death Row in 1996 after a falling out with Suge Knight and formed his current label Aftermath.

Deathrow, a one time powerhouse in the Hip Hop industry owned by Suge Knight fell into bankruptcy, but was purchased by WIDEawake and re-established.

The lawsuit states that Dre's lawyers notified the new owners that he was owed royalties, but they have never paid him. The suit also claims that label released The Chronic Re-Lit and a greatest hits collection without the proper rights. WIDEawake/Death Row Records has also sold digital copies of The Chronic without permission, the lawsuit states, since Dre’s original contract didn’t include sales of digital copies of the album.

Dr. Dre's lawsuit seeks unspecified damages of more than $75,000 for several different claims that include breach of contract, false advertising, trademark infringement and misappropriation of publicity.