Gospel singer Erica Campbell’s record label is taking its former music distributor to court over an alleged lack of royalty accounting.
My Block Records filed a lawsuit against SRG/ILS Group in federal court in New York on Sept. 17. The company is seeking more than $1 million in damages, plus interest and legal fees.
My Block was founded by Campbell’s husband, Grammy-winning producer Warryn Campbell. The lawsuit accuses SRG of breaching its distribution agreement with the independent label. My Block claims it never received royalty statements for several releases handled by the company.
The two companies initially entered a licensing agreement in October 2021. The deal gave SRG distribution rights for My Block’s master recordings. The agreement was amended in September 2022.
Under the revised arrangement, SRG received a larger distribution fee in exchange for additional marketing support. My Block alleges those obligations were not fulfilled.
My Block Questions Royalties From More Than 113 Million Streams
Three albums sit at the center of the dispute. They include Lena Byrd Miles’ “Brand New,” The Walls Group’s “Four Walls” and Campbell’s “I Love You.” According to the complaint, those projects collectively generated more than 113 million streams between 2022 and 2024.
The label claims the releases also generated more than $1 million in sales during that period.
“SRG has never provided Block a royalty statement,” the complaint states.
Campbell released “I Love You” in September 2023. The project generated more than 55 million streams, according to figures cited in the lawsuit. The album also earned recognition at the 66th Grammy Awards.
“I Love You” received a nomination for best gospel album. “Feel Alright (Blessed)” was nominated for best gospel performance/song.
The single also topped Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. Miles released “Brand New” in 2022. Its single “WOW (Walk on Water)” later reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart.
The Walls Group followed with “Four Walls” in February 2023.
My Block also claims SRG failed to meet agreed marketing commitments for the label’s releases. The complaint alleges the distributor failed to document certain marketing expenses.
My Block also questions whether some expenses received the approval required under their agreement. The companies ended their agreements in December 2023. However, SRG retained distribution rights for the releases through March 1, 2024.
My Block argues that ending the partnership did not eliminate SRG’s remaining royalty and accounting obligations.
SRG Pushes Back Against Allegations
SRG has disputed My Block’s characterization of the relationship.
The company said it made “repeated efforts” to communicate with My Block after their distribution agreement ended.
Those discussions involved the transition of masters, accounting and payments, according to SRG.
The distributor said it has maintained records of those communications. It believes those documents will provide additional context surrounding My Block’s allegations.
SRG operates as an independent distribution and label services company. It works in partnership with Universal Music Group’s Virgin Music Group.
The company is also facing another royalty-related lawsuit. R&B singer Kenny Lattimore sued SRG earlier this year over his 2021 album, “Here to Stay.”
Lattimore alleges he received one royalty payment of approximately $4,400 despite the album’s commercial performance. He claims he is owed more than $100,000.
SRG has denied wrongdoing in that dispute and is contesting Lattimore’s claims.
My Block’s lawsuit remains pending. The allegations against SRG have not been proven in court. The label has requested a jury trial as it seeks more than $1 million in damages from its former distributor.