Daz Dillinger Sues Tupac’s Estate for Royalties

It seems the legacy of Tupac Shakur continues to be a source of legal battles, even as the 30th anniversary of his passing approaches. This time, it’s rapper-producer Daz Dillinger who has filed a lawsuit against Tupac’s estate, claiming he’s still owed money for his significant contributions to some of Hip Hop’s most iconic tracks.

Daz Dillinger, born Delmar Arnaud, was a key collaborator with Tupac, co-writing and producing several songs on the legendary album ‘All Eyez on Me.’ Tracks like “I Ain’t Mad at Cha,” “Ambitionz az a Ridah,” and the Snoop Dogg-featured “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted” all bear his creative fingerprints.

Allegations of Unpaid Royalties

According to reports from Rolling Stone, Dillinger alleges that despite past payments, he has not received the full royalties he is due. Court filings indicate that after requesting royalties in 2024, he received a payment of $91,000 from Amaru Entertainment, the entity managing Tupac’s estate.

However, Dillinger claims he couldn’t verify the accuracy of this amount because he never received the proper documentation. His attorney reportedly stated to Billboard that Amaru Entertainment has failed to provide statements and pay sums owed, continuing to the present day.

The Estate’s Management

The executor of Tupac’s estate, Amaru Entertainment, is currently managed by music executive Tom Whalley. He has held this role since 2016, following the passing of Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, who previously oversaw the estate.

This lawsuit adds to a history of legal disputes surrounding Tupac’s estate, which has frequently dealt with issues concerning rights and financial matters over the years. The exact amount owed to Daz Dillinger will reportedly be determined through an accounting and discovery process.