Wiz Khalifa ended his relationship with his former manager, Benjy Grinberg, in 2014, after he realized something most new artists don’t see until after they sign their contracts, not everyone has your best interest at heart. Wiz Khalifa is suing his former manager to get out of a 360 deal and is asking for $1 million in punitive damages.
A 360 deal is deal that’s set up to where the label agrees to provide support for their artist in areas that aren’t usually covered by a traditional deal and in return the artist dishes out a percentage of his revenue to compensate for that extra support.
Plain and simple, Wiz wants out of his deal because something just ain’t right. Apparently when he signed his deal back in 2004, he was exclusive to Rostrum –who agreed to recurve a portion of Wiz’s income made from merchandising, touring, and from songwriting. Wiz feels like the plot twisted when Wiz found out that the deal was shady and more than likely impossible. According to the lawsuit notes, “Wiz’s chief complaint is that Grinberg failed to disclose alternative agreements, instead tying Wiz to a deal that “reached for more than a decade into virtually every aspect” of his professional life.”
Wiz’s lawyer, Alex Weingarten said, “An artist’s most trusted advisor is his or her personal manager. Generally, nothing good comes out when the manager decides to go into business against his artist. Unfortunately, that is the case here.”
Ultimately Wiz is demanding upward of $1 million for punitive damages and attorney’s fees.
As far as his former manager, Benjy goes, he claims to be disappointed by Wiz’s decision to not only cut ties but bring legal action to the people who have been in his corner since the launch of his career.
“very disappointed and surprised by today’s news. To witness an artist turn on you after supporting them for a number of years is very disheartening. This is an egregious lawsuit filled with inaccuracies, yet unfortunately people sometimes resort to these practices as a way of conducting business.” He said.
Source: XXL, http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/06/wiz-khalifa-sues-former-record-label-manager/?trackback=tsmclip
TSR Writer: Chantel P.! @_popchanny on IG!
