A production company sued Lil Uzi Vert, Georgia-based Uzivert LLC and the rapper’s manager Amina Diop on Wednesday (June 12) for breach of contract and unjust enrichment. M99 Studios accused Uzi of failing to pay the company for festival performances and 2023 European tour services.
M99 said Uzi “maintains a long-term cooperative relationship” with the company. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Uzi “relies heavily on M99 for all creative, production and staffing on all tours, shows and performances.”
The lawsuit describes the M99 as Uzi’s “restorer.” The company noted that it had to pay Uzi for various concert-related expenses because the Atlantic Recording artist’s credit cards were frequently declined.
M99 claims: “Uzivert and Artist frequently fail to maintain a valid credit card or sufficient funds in Artist’s travel account to book necessary travel for staff, forcing M99 to bear all travel expenses for Artist’s tours and performances.” “Although Artist His account sometimes worked, but his credit card was frequently declined during the tour, making it impossible for M99 to ensure the safety and well-being of his crew without incurring costs. Diop was aware of these issues at all times and relied on M99. Providing interest-free loans to Uzivert and Artist, regularly utilizing M99’s goodwill and financial support to run Artist’s touring business.
Problems arose in 2023 when Uzi stopped paying invoices for M99.
“Uzivert and Artist also frequently defaulted on M99’s invoices, leaving M99 in the unfortunate position of being forced to pay Artist for future gigs and performances without receiving payment of the overdue invoices,” the lawsuit reads. “This caused M99 a A cycle of cash flow issues, when M99 asks for payment for its services, it is given excuses or promises to pay at future dates, but these excuses or promises are frequently violated and delayed due to Uzivert and Artist’s behavior and the way they conduct business. Relations with some of the industry’s largest partners have become strained, and serious reputational damage has been caused to companies and vendors that have worked with M99 over the past few years.
M99 is seeking at least $533,499.81 in damages. The company also seeks payment of all applicable late fees, statutory interest, and attorneys’ fees and costs. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported the lawsuit.