Some alleged unpaid royalties are catching up with this entertainer, according to a new lawsuit. Rapper B.o.B. — born Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. — now owes $3 million to his former managers, TMZ reports.
According to Round Hill Music and Artists Rights Management, the Georgia native allegedly violated a deal that he had with the companies after refusing to hand over royalties for public performances from some of his tracks dating back to 2017.
“I have not seen the lawsuit but am aware my former manager had entered into agreements without my knowledge,” said B.o.B in a statement to the outlet. “I take my business seriously and look forward to getting to the truth of what happened.”
He first began to gain notoriety with his 2007 mixtape, “The Future,” and since then the “Nothin’ on You” lyricist has achieved great success as an artist both while he was with a major label and during his decision to go independent.
Going Solo
For B.o.B, life as an independent artist has been his new wave. The timeline of his trek from being a major label star to an independent leader dates back to the alleged royalty fiasco which reports say stems from 2017.
His label, “No Genre” has been home to artists like London Jae and has even partnered on ventures alongside T.I.’s “Grand Hustle.”
In a previous interview with XXL, B.o.B explains how the industry has helped him evolve and grow into his new role as an independent artist.
“I feel like it’s all a part of the story, man, you known? Doing mixtapes, open mics, albums, going through different phases, playing the guitar, performing with a live band, dancers, background singers, to coming back and being able to cross back over and do club, urban music,” he said. “I mean, it’s all a part of the story. I embrace it all. It’s funny ’cause it’s all aligning, stories lining up, but you can’t mastermind everything. You gotta kinda just go with the journey.”
His last album, “Murd & Mercy” was dropped under his own label in 2021.
The Business
As previously reported by AfroTech, the music industry can be tricky and as of lately more artists are being vocal about the effect it has on both their career and livelihood.
From accusing record labels of deals that they allege are slavery-like practices to the mental toll that being an artist can come with, it is a business that is not for the faint-hearted.
