CHICAGO – A two-time Grammy nominated producer who lives in Richton Park has filed a suit against two record labels and their owner over the release of Kayne West recordings.
Eric Miller filed a complaint on Dec. 31 in Cook County Circuit Court against Def Jam Recordings, Island Records and Universal Music Group, alleging breach of contract and other counts.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges he discovered a young Kanye West in 1995 and recorded West's first album on his label, Focus Music Group.
The suit states in 2008, Island Def Jam entered into an agreement with the plaintiff and West regarding West's unreleased masters while working with the plaintiff's label. The suit states the settlement outlined that Island Def Jam would release the masters by Dec. 31, 2008. The plaintiff alleges Island Def Jam has not released the masters to date.
The plaintiff alleges he has suffered severe economic harm because he lost ownership of the intellectual property, lost profits and lost long-term future income.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendants for actual, compensatory and punitive damages; attorney fees; expenses; costs and further relief. He is representing himself.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 18-L-14001