A legal storm is brewing in the hip-hop world as rap icons Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube face a substantial $1.3 million fraud lawsuit filed by Westside Merchandising LLC in November 2024. The legal action also names fellow rappers E-40 and Too Short, along with their supergroup entity Mount Westmore LLC, in allegations centered on a 2022 merchandising agreement gone awry.
According to court documents, Westside Merchandising claims it secured exclusive vendor rights after paying $1.375 million upfront for a potential 60-date Mount Westmore tour that never materialized. The company alleges the rappers failed to deliver on multiple contractual obligations, including the production of promotional videos for social media and scheduled public appearances at designated retail locations.
Failed promises and unfulfilled obligations left merchandiser holding the bag on a million-dollar deal for a tour that never happened.
The merchandise deal hinged on substantial tour promotion by Snoop and Cube as “key men,” with only three live shows ultimately occurring instead of the extensive tour promised. During the lone major appearance—a VIP meet and greet—Snoop Dogg reportedly sold his own merchandise rather than the group’s contractually obligated products, further violating agreement terms. This dispute highlights how merchandise sales have become a critical revenue stream for artists in today’s music industry landscape.
Despite repeated requests for the return of the $1.375 million advance payment, Westside claims the defendants have ignored their financial obligations, prompting charges of breach of contract, fraud, and conversion. The case highlights significant financial and reputational risks for all involved parties.
The accused rappers have mounted a vigorous defense, categorically denying all allegations and insisting they conducted business with “good faith and integrity.” Their legal team has characterized Westside’s lawsuit as baseless and lacking sufficient evidence, while attempting to block mandatory depositions they deem “harassing, oppressive, and burdensome.” The defense has requested virtual testimony options due to the rappers’ demanding schedules. Westside’s attorney has publicly criticized the defendants for avoiding difficult questions while allegedly enriching themselves at the company’s expense.
E-40 and Too Short specifically maintain they were not parties to the primary agreement.
This high-profile dispute has garnered widespread coverage across music and entertainment media outlets, underscoring the inherent risks in celebrity endorsement deals and raising important questions about contractual clarity in music merchandising arrangements. The artists could have potentially leveraged social media advertising to properly promote the tour and fulfill their contractual obligations as outlined in the agreement. No official statements have emerged from the artists outside their court filings.
