Hip-hop icons Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube are embroiled in a $1.3 million legal dispute with Westside Merchandise over allegations of fraud and breach of contract related to their supergroup Mount Westmore. Both rappers deny any wrongdoing.
According to Linda Ikeji Blog, the controversy began in November 2023 when Westside Merchandise sued Mount Westmore members, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too Short, and E-40, claiming they violated an exclusive merchandise agreement signed in 2022.
The company says it advanced $1.375 million for what was supposed to be a 60-date U.S. and European tour with official merchandise sales.
Westside alleges the rappers failed to honor their commitments, including filming a promotional video and appearing at a retail store event.
The company claims the only appearance made was at a VIP meet-and-greet where Snoop Dogg sold his own merchandise instead of the agreed-upon Mount Westmore products.
In August, lawyers for Snoop, 53, and Ice Cube, 56, asked a judge to excuse them from an October deposition, calling the request “harassing, oppressive, and burdensome” for high-profile artists with demanding schedules.
Their legal team argued the rappers have little relevant information to offer and suggested the company speak with their associate Tony Draper instead.
Westside reportedly refused unless both rappers appeared in person, a move the defense characterized as a pressure tactic to force a settlement.
If compelled to testify, the rappers want to appear virtually for no more than two hours.
Snoop cited a movie shoot keeping him busy until October 21, while Ice Cube pointed to his Big3 basketball league commitments and an upcoming tour.
Westside Merchandise fired back in September, claiming it has been “extremely cooperative” with scheduling and requesting the court fine the rappers $11,000 for delays. No ruling has been made on that motion.
The rappers’ attorney, Frank Seddigh, maintains his clients “have always conducted their business in good faith and with integrity,” adding that Westside has refused to engage in meaningful settlement discussions.
Lawyers for Too Short and E-40 insist their clients weren’t even part of the original agreement.
Westside’s attorney John Fowler sees it differently, stating the defendants are “trying to hide from having their depositions taken because they are scared of answering difficult questions relating to their swindle.”
