Erica Campbell’s Label Sues Distributor Over Gospel Music Royalties

Indie record label My Block Inc. is suing distributor SRG/ILS Group over royalty accounting for Erica Campbell‘s 2023 gospel album I Love You.

A Thursday (Sept. 17) lawsuit, first obtained and reported by Billboard, alleges that SRG hasn’t provided a single royalty statement to My Block, the label founded by Erica Campbell’s husband, producer Warryn Campbell. The case comes in the wake of similar legal claims brought by veteran R&B singer Kenny Lattimore against the digital distributor, which operates in partnership with Universal Music Group’s Virgin Music.

My Block was under a distribution deal with SRG from 2021 to 2024. During that time, Erica’s 2023 album I Love You sent the single “Feel Alright (Blessed)” to No. 1 on Billboard‘s Gospel Airplay chart. She and Warryn, a co-writer and producer on the album, received Grammy nominations for the I Love You tracks “Feel Alright” and “Positive.”

SRG also distributed Lena Byrd Miles’ 2022 album Brand New from My Block, which included the No. 1 Gospel Airplay single WOW (Walk on Water)”, as well as The Walls Group’s 2023 album Four Walls.

“Block’s album releases Brand New, Four Walls and I Love You sold over 113 million streams between 2022-2024 and generated over $1 million sales,” reads the lawsuit. “SRG has never provided Block a royalty statement. Due to SRG’s breaches, Block has been harmed in its business.”

The label is now suing SRG for breach of contract and seeking more than $1 million in financial damages.

Reached for comment on the lawsuit Thursday, SRG said it has “made repeated efforts to engage with My Block and its representatives regarding the orderly transition of masters, accounting, and payments” since their distribution deal concluded.

“We have maintained a comprehensive record of those communications and are confident that the facts and documentation will provide important context to the allegations now being made,” said SRG in its statement. “SRG remains focused on what it has always been focused on: serving our artists and partners, honoring our commitments, and building long-term relationships rooted in trust.”

“The music industry is a close-knit community, and the reputation we have built through years of working with artists, executives and independent labels is something we value deeply,” added SRG. “We wish My Block Records and its artists continued success and remain hopeful that, once this matter is resolved, both companies can move forward positively.”

SRG was previously sued in February by Lattimore, who alleged that SRG only sent him a single royalty check of just $4,400 as the distributor for his 2021 album Here to Stay. That album produced the No. 1 Adult R&B Airplay single “Take a Dose” and, according to Lattimore, should have entitled him to over $100,000 in royalties.

SRG has denied Lattimore’s allegations of wrongdoing and is fighting his lawsuit in court. Evidence discovery for that case is ongoing now.