Erica Campbell's Label Files Lawsuit Against Distributor Over Unpaid Gospel Music Royalties
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| Erica Campbell (American singer-songwriter) |
A lawsuit filed Thursday (Sept. 17), first obtained and reported by Billboard, claims that SRG has failed to deliver even one royalty statement to My Block, the label started by producer Warryn Campbell, husband of Erica Campbell. This suit follows similar legal action taken against the digital distributor by veteran R&B artist Kenny Lattimore, who filed against SRG, a company that partners with Universal Music Group's Virgin Music.
My Block operated under a distribution agreement with SRG from 2021 through 2024. During that period, Erica Campbell's 2023 album I Love You produced the single "Feel Alright (Blessed)," which reached No. 1 on Billboard's Gospel Airplay chart. Erica and Warryn, who co-wrote and produced the album, earned Grammy nominations for the tracks "Feel Alright" and "Positive."
SRG additionally handled distribution for Lena Byrd Miles' 2022 album Brand New under My Block, featuring the No. 1 Gospel Airplay hit "WOW (Walk on Water)," along with The Walls Group's 2023 release Four Walls.
"Block's album releases Brand New, Four Walls and I Love You sold over 113 million streams between 2022-2024 and generated over $1 million sales," reads the lawsuit. "SRG has never provided Block a royalty statement. Due to SRG's breaches, Block has been harmed in its business."
My Block is now pursuing legal action against SRG for breach of contract, seeking damages exceeding $1 million.
When contacted for comment Thursday, SRG stated it has "made repeated efforts to engage with My Block and its representatives regarding the orderly transition of masters, accounting, and payments" following the end of their partnership.
"We have maintained a comprehensive record of those communications and are confident that the facts and documentation will provide important context to the allegations now being made," SRG said in its statement. "SRG remains focused on what it has always been focused on: serving our artists and partners, honoring our commitments, and building long-term relationships rooted in trust."
"The music industry is a close-knit community, and the reputation we have built through years of working with artists, executives and independent labels is something we value deeply," the company added. "We wish My Block Records and its artists continued success and remain hopeful that, once this matter is resolved, both companies can move forward positively."
This isn't SRG's first legal challenge of this kind — Lattimore sued the company in February, alleging he received only a single royalty payment of $4,400 as distributor for his 2021 album Here to Stay. That project generated the No. 1 Adult R&B Airplay single "Take a Dose," which Lattimore says should have earned him more than $100,000 in royalties.
SRG has denied any wrongdoing in Lattimore's case and continues to contest the lawsuit, with the discovery process currently underway.
