Missy Elliott Reportedly Wins Major Legal Battle Over Aaliyah’s Song Royalties

It has been twenty-three years since Aaliyah’s tragic death. Although the “One In A Million” singer isn’t here in the physical sense, her essence lives on through her acclaimed music catalog.

With Aaliyah’s discography available on streaming platforms, new fans are quickly discovering and sharing her beloved records. This surge in popularity generates more revenue for her estate and former collaborators. Sadly for Missy Elliott, instead of celebrating this new era of Aaliyah appreciation, she has found herself entangled in a legal battle over royalties. However, according to AllHipHop, Missy Elliott has secured a significant legal win in this ongoing matter.

The “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” rapper and producer’s 2018 lawsuit with Terry Williams has temporarily ruled in Elliott’s favor. Williams presented his case for song co-authorship and royalties for thirty-four unpublished songs. However, a judge has ruled that legally Aaliyah’s “Heartbroken” isn’t among them due to the expired statute of limitations.

“Williams commenced this action against Elliott on November 14, 2018, over twenty-two years after the release of ‘Heartbroken,’” stated Judge Quiñones Alejandro. “Under these circumstances, this Court further finds that Williams has failed to offer evidence that he exercised due diligence. As such, Williams’ co-ownership claim based on the song ‘Heartbroken’ released by Aaliyah is barred by the three-year statute of limitations.”

While the judge may have dismissed Williams’ claim on that track, their legal battle is far from over. Williams’ claims against the former hip-hop group SISTA’s use of his creative works made with Elliott, a then member, can still be heard by the courts.

Williams alleges that he and Elliott were collaborators between 1993 and 1996, working on releases for acts like 702, Total, and more.

Terry Williams is seeking co-author credit on the tracks the pair supposedly worked on, damages for breach of contract, and compensation for unjust enrichment.