Ol' Dirty Bastard's widow sues Wu-Tang Clan over alleged unpaid royalties

Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s widow and the sole executor of his estate, Icelene Jones, is suing Wu-Tang Productions for years of unpaid royalties.

Jones claims a 1992 recording agreement entitles the late rapper’s estate to 50% of net proceeds from publishing and recording royalties, as well as merchandising and videos. She is asking for at least $1 million in damages plus interest and attorneys’ fees.

Jones alleges that Wu-Tang Productions did not pay royalties to the late artist’s estate from 2011 until July 2021, when it sent a check for $130,000. Wu-Tang member RZA operates Wu-Tang Productions, and is ODB’s cousin.

The estate also received some payments in 2019 and 2020 from Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Jones said, but the suit alleges that the combined payments fall well short of what is actually owed.

ODB’s estate has repeatedly sought accountings and payments from Wu-Tang Productions over the last decade, but no detailed accounting statements have been provided, according to the lawsuit. The suit was filed at New York Supreme Court.

ODB was a founding member of Wu-Tang Clan, and died of a drug overdose in 2004 at the age of 35.