Ice Cube Really, Really Wants His Lousy $50
Today’s L.A. Times features a story on why SoundExchange–the digital-music company that’s holding royalty checks for more than 9,000 recording artists–is having problems finding big-name musicians like Three 6 Mafia and Peter, Paul and Mary. According to John L. Simson, the company’s executive director, the royalty amounts are so small, many of the performers don’t even bother tracking them down. With a few exceptions, of course:
Simson said most of the checks for royalties paid from 1996 through 2000 amounted to small change — about 6,000 performers are each owed $50 or less. Fewer than 75 are due $500 or more, he said.
An attorney for rap artist and actor Ice Cube reportedly filled out the required paperwork within hours of a Times reporter contacting his label, his management firm and his publicist for comment. Another famous name dropped from the list after inquiries by The Times was five-time Grammy winner Lauryn Hill.
What, you think a man can live off Torque DVD residuals alone? Digital Music Royalty Checks Languish [LA Times]
