Sherman Ailey
Background
- Copyright owner of significant Miami freestyle/bass music from the 1980s
- Owned rights to music sampled by Two Live Crew and other Miami-based artists
- Former drug dealer who was incarcerated during the period when his rights were allegedly stolen
- According to Beef Jones, won a Supreme Court case against Warner Chapel Publishing, APG Records and Warner Records
- Currently runs a "roach and bug extermination company" according to Beef Jones
- Will be turning 70 in June 2025
Business Matters
- Recently won a Supreme Court case (reportedly 9-3 decision) regarding ownership of his music rights
- Court ruled that despite his incarceration, his music rights couldn't be taken from him
- Currently owed streaming royalties from 2006 to present
- Legal team assembled for settlement negotiations
- Potential litigation against Universal, Fox, YouTube, and Google for copyright infringement
- Kendrick Lamar allegedly used samples from Ailey's catalog without proper clearance
Connection
- Secondary contact through Beef Jones
- Beef Jones is helping with legal matters and potential documentary
- Originally connected with Beef when Beef was considering a documentary about Ailey's story
- Beef now involved in helping assemble legal team for settlement negotiations
Interactions
- 2025-04-15: Mentioned by Beef Jones during conversation with Gary Sheng, Jack Oremus, and Russell Ballard at Alpha School. Beef detailed Ailey's legal victories and ongoing settlement efforts.
Notes
- Potential documentary subject, though settlement might include non-disparagement clause regarding Warner
- Story represents interesting intersection of music industry, legal rights, and rehabilitation
Transcripts
| Transcript ID | Date | Summary |
|---|
| 2025-04-15-alpha-partnerships-morning-session | 2025-04-15 | Transcript Summary: Alpha Partnerships Morning Session |