Daz Dillinger has sued Amaru Entertainment in federal court in California, alleging the company failed to provide a full accounting and underpaid royalties for several recordings by the late 2Pac.
The complaint, filed May 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, says Dillinger, whose legal name is Delmar Arnaud, contributed songwriting, production, vocals and other creative services to a number of 2Pac songs, including “Ambitionz Az a Ridah,” “I Ain’t Mad at Cha,” “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted,” “Got My Mind Made Up” and “Skandalouz.”
According to the suit, Amaru exploited and licensed those works for years while failing to issue complete royalty statements. Dillinger says he demanded payment records by Oct. 18, 2024. Amaru later sent him $91,445.27.
“Amaru’s payment confirms that monies were due,” the complaint states.
Producer Daz Dillinger Files Unpaid Royalties Lawsuit
Dillinger contends the company did not identify which songs, accounting periods or deductions were reflected in the payment. Without that information, he says he cannot determine whether the amount was “complete, accurate, timely, and inclusive of all exploitations.”
The lawsuit asserts claims for accounting, breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Dillinger seeks compensatory damages, unpaid royalties, restitution, prejudgment interest, attorneys’ fees and a jury trial.
Amaru was founded by Afeni Shakur after her son’s death. Following Afeni Shakur’s death in 2016, the company came under the management of Tom Whalley.
The case adds to ongoing legal scrutiny surrounding the administration of 2Pac’s estate and catalog.