My Block Inc., a United States record label, has sued distributor SRG/ILS Group over royalty accounting for Erica Campbell‘s 2023 gospel album I Love You. The lawsuit, filed Thursday (Sept. 17), alleges that SRG never provided a single royalty statement to the label.
My Block was founded by Campbell’s husband, producer Warryn Campbell. The case follows similar legal claims brought by veteran R&B singer Kenny Lattimore against the digital distributor, which operates in partnership with Universal Music Group’s Virgin Music.
Distribution deal and chart performance#
My Block held a distribution deal with SRG from 2021 to 2024. During that period, Erica Campbell’s I Love You sent the single “Feel Alright (Blessed)” to No. 1 on the Gospel Airplay chart. She and Warryn Campbell, a co-writer and producer on the album, received Grammy nominations for the tracks “Feel Alright” and “Positive.”
SRG also distributed two other My Block releases:
- Lena Byrd Miles, Brand New (2022), including the No. 1 Gospel Airplay single “WOW (Walk on Water)”
- The Walls Group, Four Walls (2023)
“Block’s album releases Brand New, Four Walls and I Love You sold over 113 million streams between 2022-2024 and generated over $1 million sales,” the lawsuit states. “SRG has never provided Block a royalty statement. Due to SRG’s breaches, Block has been harmed in its business.”
My Block is suing for breach of contract and seeking more than $1 million in financial damages.
SRG response#
Reached for comment Thursday, SRG said it has “made repeated efforts to engage with My Block and its representatives regarding the orderly transition of masters, accounting, and payments” since the distribution deal concluded.
“We have maintained a comprehensive record of those communications and are confident that the facts and documentation will provide important context to the allegations now being made,” SRG said in its statement. “SRG remains focused on what it has always been focused on: serving our artists and partners, honoring our commitments, and building long-term relationships rooted in trust.”
“The music industry is a close-knit community, and the reputation we have built through years of working with artists, executives and independent labels is something we value deeply,” SRG added. “We wish My Block Records and its artists continued success and remain hopeful that, once this matter is resolved, both companies can move forward positively.”
Earlier Lattimore lawsuit#
SRG was previously sued in February by Kenny Lattimore, who alleged that SRG sent him a single royalty check of $4,400 as the distributor for his 2021 album Here to Stay. That album produced the No. 1 Adult R&B Airplay single “Take a Dose” and, according to Lattimore, should have entitled him to over $100,000 in royalties.
SRG has denied Lattimore’s allegations of wrongdoing and is fighting the lawsuit in court. Evidence discovery in that case is ongoing now.
