The Roots, a legendary hip-hop band, and several of its business entities are facing a lawsuit filed by the estate of former band member Leonard Hubbard.
The lawsuit alleges that band members Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, and manager Shawn Gee, among others, engaged in fraudulent activities, including forgery, wire fraud, bank fraud, mail fraud, criminal copyright infringement, to receive millions of dollars through the band’s corporate entities.
Hubbard, who left the band in 2007 after being diagnosed with blood cancer and died in 2021, was entitled to a 17% ownership stake in Grand Negaz Inc. and a 25% stake in the band’s recording and publishing company.
The lawsuit seeks restitution for the property, money, and benefits owed to Hubbard and his estate, as well as attorneys’ fees and additional damages.
The estate has also asked the court to inspect the defendants’ records regarding Hubbard and his estate, take an accounting of their business transactions, and suspend the use of The Roots’ trademark until its value can be determined. source