Photo Credit: Summer Walker / Instagram
Interscope Records sues R&B singer Summer Walker for $50 million, alleging she still owes them more albums before she can get out of her contract.
Universal Music imprint Interscope Records is escalating its ongoing dispute with R&B singer Summer Walker, who invoked California’s seven-year rule to terminate her 2017 contract deal. Now, the label is suing Walker for $50 million, alleging that she still owes them two more studio albums and one EP before she can walk away from her deal.
According to Interscope’s lawsuit, which was filed on Friday, October 9, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Walker’s prior releases—Last Day of Summer and CLEAR—do not count toward her quota, as they are strictly classified as “pre-album projects.” Interscope claims that only three of Walker’s albums count toward her obligation, including 2019’s Over It, 2021’s Still Over It, and 2025’s Finally Over It.
The label’s lawsuit was filed to beat a strict 45-day statutory deadline, which stems from a 1987 amendment that allows labels to sue for undelivered albums when artists invoke the seven-year rule.
“While we remain hopeful that our ongoing discussion will lead to an amicable resolution, the statutory deadline makes it necessary to file suit in order to preserve the terms of our contract,” said an Interscope spokesperson. “We have great respect for Summer and her music and would welcome the opportunity to continue our successful partnership.”
The filing cites a letter sent by Walker’s attorneys dated August 27, which deemed her contract no longer enforceable, invoking California’s seven-year statute. This statute stems from a 1944 law that enables an individual to leave a personal services contract after seven years.
“While we are disappointed that Interscope has chosen to pursue litigation, we are confident in Summer’s legal position and her right to challenge the continued enforceability of her recording contract with Interscope,” said Walker’s attorney, Keith Moten. “We intend to vigorously defend against Interscope’s claims and pursue appropriate legal relief.”
The deal itself, according to Walker’s attorney, was highly restrictive with low initial advances and a heavily conditional 16% royalty rate. However, Interscope asserts that the contract terms were for an earlier-stage artist and that they invested heavily in growing Walker’s career.
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