Rappers Jay-Z and Eminem are suing the Weinstein Company for money they believe is owed to them for work they did for the company. According to Pitchfork Eminem is suing  the company for use of his original songs “Phenomenal,” “Phenomenal 2” and “Kings Never Die” in the 2015 film Southpaw. Eminem was also executive producer of the soundtrack. The Weinstein Company reportedly paid Eminem $48,000 for his work while Eminem alleges that he is owed $352,000.

Jay-Z is also suing the Weinstein Company for $480,000 which allegedly for the Peabody-wining docuseries “TIME: The Kalief Browder Story” and the upcoming series “Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story.” In 2016 Jay-Z signed a two- year first-look deal with the Weinstein Company, which gives the company the first chance to produce Jay-Z’s planned Television and film projects.

The Weinstein Company filed for bankruptcy following the allegations accusing co-founder Harvey Weinstein committing sexual harassment and sexual assault on several actresses in Hollywood. According to mxdwn in February the Weinstein Company wrote a detailed letter explaining their financial troubles following the alleged accusations on Harvey Weinstein. This was also around the beginning of the MeToo movement where people in Hollywood spoke out about the allegations against Harvey Weinstein and some came forward in accusing him of sexual harassment or sexual assault. The financial trouble that the company is having relates to potential buyers not giving them funds to stay in business until the complete purchase of the company can be brokered.

photo credit: Sharon Alagna