A Miami judge recently
issued a 26-page opinion stating that Slip-N-Slide Records has the right to release
an album that rapper Pitbull recorded prior to signing with the New York based,
TVT Records.
The judge ruled
that Slip-N-Slide has the right to issue the album Welcome to the 305,
as long as it has a label affixed to the cover, stating that the release contains
previously recorded material.
Pitbull recorded
the contested songs in 2001 for Slip-N-Slide prior to signing with TVT Records.
The final decision now rests in the hands of a U.S. District Court Judge, who
will review and approve or deny the opinion.
TVT claims Slip-N-Slide
is attempting to cash in on the rapper’s superstar status.
”TVT has invested
substantial time, effort and resources to develop [Pitbull] as an artist and
to develop, market and release the M.I.A.M.I. album on a worldwide basis. ”
Gottlieb said in court papers.
Slip-N-Slide has
countered, claiming TVT hindered the project by sending out letters to distributors,
claiming the recording was illegal.
Slip-N-Slide owner
Ted Lucas stated that Pitbull had verbally approved of the release and had no
objections.
“The court
finds extremely significant the fact that the artist himself is not a party
to this lawsuit and the lack of any evidence that he has expressed any negative
feeling toward the release of 305,” the opinion stated.
Slip-N-Slide has
stated that if the album is not in stores for the holidays, they would sue TVT
for $4 million in damages.