A judge has dismissed Roc Nation LLC from a royalties suit filed by Ice Cube collaborator Sir Jinx.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer’s ruling on Monday leaves Grand Hustle Records LLC as the only remaining defendant in the case in which the rapper, whose real name is Anthony Wheaton, alleges he is owed royalties after he produced the song, “Dope,” and it was subsequently played throughout the music industry.
However, the judge additionally found that there is “uncertainty” whether Wheaton is entitled to royalties from either company because his lawsuit has no specific facts showing how the rapper wrote and produced “Dope” and what royalties, if any, were assigned to him. In an earlier ruling, Killefer said Wheaton’s claims against Grand Hustle also need shoring up.
In his suit filed in July 2023, Wheaton says he has waited for years to be properly compensated.
“Sir Jinx has attempted to be patient, but after defendants’ failure to receive an appropriate response and recompense, Sir Jinx files this case to assert the financial damages he incurred due to the defendants’ disregard and breach of contract,” the suit states.
Wheaton, 54, is a cousin of multi-platinum producer Dr. Dre.