Iggy Azalea has accused her former label of owing her millions of dollars in unpaid royalties.
The Fancy rapper took to X over the weekend to accuse Universal Music Group (UMG) executives of withholding royalties from her.
“Crazy how in my entire career I was never paid a single royalty by universal music for anything outside of the USA,” she wrote. “They owe me millions of dollars in back pay, that they technically stole from me, as per my contract (I am) due payment. The amount owed is in the 8 figure range.”
The Australian musician then indicated that both parties are involved in a legal dispute over her claim. She alleged that UMG lawyers tried to settle the issue with a settlement offer of $18,000 (£14,000), which she believes is far less than what she is owed.
“I’m told this is a normal response from their lawyers and after appearing in court they end up paying millions as they’re supposed to.
Thankfully I’m well off and can and will pursue this issue until they pay me what they owe,” she added.
Iggy, real name Amethyst Kelly, signed with UMG’s label Island Def Jam in 2013 before moving to Island Records. She eventually parted ways with UMG in 2018 and now releases music without the backing of a major label.
She continued her statement by blasting UMG’s alleged treatment of musicians, writing, “I’d like to publicly say that I think universal music are criminals who actively take advantage of ALL of their artists in perpetuity for their own gain.
“They are the scummiest company and they do this to SO MANY artists who unfortunately can’t afford to fight for what they’re owed thus they get away with this behavior.”
In a follow-up post, the 34-year-old fired off the warning: “Universal music mark my words you ugly b**ch – You will pay me what’s owed.”
UMG representatives have yet to respond to Iggy’s allegations.
