Lawsuit Breaks Out Between Rap-A-Lot and Pimp C's Wife Over Masters

A lawsuit has broken out between Rap-A-Lot Records and Pimp C's wife Chinara Butler, over unreleased recordings by the deceased rap star. Rap-A-Lot Records 2K filed the lawsuit against Chinara Butler in the District Court of Harris County, Texas.

According to the lawsuit, Pimp C entered into an agreement with James Prince and Rap-A-Lot Records in October of 2000.

Under the agreement, Pimp C agreed to record exclusively for Rap-A-Lot, which would be the sole and exclusive owner of all copyrights in the masters recorded by Pimp C.

The lawsuit claims that when Pimp C passed away in December of 2008, his wife Chinara was appointed as the independent administrator and sole representative of Pimp C's estate.

Shortly after the rapper's death, Rap-A-Lot and Chinara Butler also amended the agreement.

Under the amended agreement, Butler was allegedly supposed to deliver 10 masters to Rap-A-Lot Records.

Tensions between the two parties came to a breaking point last Thursday, (June 16th), when an attorney for Chinara Butler faxed a letter to Rap-A-Lot, demanding that they cease and desist with any activities related to Pimp C.

The letter also accused Rap-A-Lot Records of not paying Chinara Butler, engineers and production people associated with Pimp C's productions.

Rap-A-Lot is suing Chinara Butler to force her to deliver all of the Pimp C masters.

The label also seeks to have the court clarify and declare that Rap-A-Lot is authorized to utilize Pimp C's name, image, likeness, music and other personal attributes.