Chad Hugo’s claims against Pharrell Williams of withheld Neptunes money were recently expanded to specifically cite multiple tracks, including mention of what’s been speculated by fans to potentially be an unreleased Kendrick Lamar song.
A rep for Pharrell, notably, previously shared a statement with Complex in response to Hugo’s initial filing in January. In it, the spokesperson said that a “standard accounting review” was already in progress.
“The lawsuit filed is premature as there may not even be a dispute between the parties,” the rep told Complex at the time. “If the accounting review determines that money is owed, the appropriate party will pay it. Pharrell has consistently acted in good faith. He has great respect for Chad and looks forward to resolving this in a way that honors their shared history.”
Below, we take a closer look at Hugo’s expanded claims, which have made headlines and received social media attention in recent days but actually stem from an amended complaint filed in February.
Chad Hugo files amended complaint against former Neptunes collaborator Pharrell Williams
On Feb. 12, Hugo’s legal team filed an amended complaint, which was itself preceded by a judge’s order to show why the case “should not be dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction or dismissed or transferred for improper venue,” per court docs viewed by Complex.
By Feb. 18, the judge’s order to show cause had been discharged in response to the amended complaint.
Chad Hugo details alleged copyright issues involving his work with Pharrell Williams
Hugo, per court docs viewed by Complex, says he “possesses substantial copyright interests in musical compositions and sound recordings created as part of his work with Defendant Williams as The Neptunes.” The February filing goes on to highlight the Copyright Act’s definition of a “joint work,” then leads into an allegation that Hugo—described as both a “joint author” and “co-owner” of various Neptunes tracks—has not received royalties and other income related to certain works.
“Plaintiff contributed to these works with mutual understanding and intention that his contributions would be credited, and that he would be compensated pursuant to the agreed-upon 50/50 production split,” the filing reads. “However, Defendant Williams failed to credit Plaintiff on such works, and Plaintiff did not receive his share of royalties and/or other income derived from such works, despite his substantial contributions thereto.”
The filing continues: “Defendant Williams and his team have failed to honor Plaintiff’s entitlements under their agreement, have failed to provide Plaintiff with his entitled publishing rights, and have taken full credit for all of Plaintiff’s contributions without proper attribution or compensation. Defendant Williams has denied Plaintiff’s joint authorship and co-ownership of the copyrights in works Plaintiff created as part of The Neptunes.”
Specific tracks mentioned as being “among the musical works” to which Hugo “contributed copyrightable expression as a joint author” are songs by Rosalía; Pharrell f/ 21 Savage and Tyler, The Creator; Latto, and more.
A track listed as being titled “Pure” is also mentioned, albeit without a credited artist. Fans on social media have speculated that this could be a reference to a Kendrick Lamar song believed to stem from the Mr Morale & the Big Steppers era. The song, though never officially released, is often referred to under the title “Pure.”
As Forbes’ Bill Hochberg points out, a Copyright Act statute of limitations issue may prove to be a complication for Hugo’s amended complaint, potentially leading to the case being bumped to a lower court.
Complex has reached out to a rep for Pharrell for additional comment. This story may be updated.