Isaac Hayes III warns 1991 artists: Reclaim your music rights

Isaac Hayes lll – screenshot

Isaac Hayes III Copyright Warning Goes Viral: Artists Should Act

*Isaac Hayes III, son of soul icon Isaac Hayes and founding father of the Fanbase app, rang in 2026 with a strong copyright wake-up name for artists.

In a Jan. 1 viral thread on X, he urged hip-hop and R&B creators from 1991 to reclaim their publishing and grasp rights—or danger shedding them completely.

The 35-12 months Rule: A Second Likelihood for Creators

This all facilities on the “termination of switch” regulation underneath U.S. copyright statute (17 U.S.C. § 203). It permits creators to take again rights 35 years after granting them—in the event that they act throughout the required authorized window.

For 1991 hits, which means the window is now open. However there’s a catch: artists will need to have filed a termination discover a minimum of 2 years prematurely to get again their rights in 2026.

It’s 2026

This yr, a large variety of rap and R&B information turn into eligible for termination.

Meaning songwriters and artists lastly have the authorized proper to reclaim their publishing and their masters.

If any of those songwriters or artists, tag them on this publish.… pic.twitter.com/NFb5cPxDvH

— Isaac Hayes III (@IsaacHayes3) January 1, 2026

Hayes Calls It the Greatest Wealth Shift in Black Music Historical past

Hayes didn’t mince phrases. In a 2-minute video, he known as this chance “the most important switch of wealth to Black folks within the historical past of the music trade.”

He defined that many artists—particularly Black artists—signed away rights underneath unfair offers, and it is a once-in-a-generation likelihood to reclaim what’s theirs.

Which Songs and Artists Are Affected? Right here’s the Record

Within the thread, Hayes talked about particular 1991 hits now eligible for termination filings. These embrace:

Naughty by Nature: “O.P.P.” – Publishing
LL Cool J: “Mama Mentioned Knock You Out” – Publishing & Masters
Boyz II Males: “Motownphilly” – Publishing & Masters
Jodeci: “Eternally My Woman” – Publishing & Masters
Black Sheep: “The Alternative Is Yours” – Publishing
Yo-Yo: “You Can’t Play with My Yo-Yo” – Publishing & Masters
Crystal Waters: “Gypsy Girl” – Publishing & Masters
Colour Me Badd: “I Wanna Intercourse You Up” – Publishing & Masters

And lots of extra. The rights to those iconic tracks are value tens of millions—if artists act in time.

A modern Black artist sitting at a desk with headphones on, studying old music contracts — A contemporary Black artist sitting at a desk with headphones on, learning outdated music contracts

Authorized Particulars: How the Termination Course of Works

Below U.S. copyright regulation, creators (or their heirs) can file a termination discover for grants made after 1978. If profitable, they regain management of publishing or grasp rights.

The window opens 35 years after the grant and have to be filed 2–10 years prematurely. Miss that discover interval? Rights are gone ceaselessly.

Publishing vs. Masters: Which Rights Can Be Reclaimed?

Publishing rights (lyrics and melody) are sometimes simpler to reclaim. Grasp recordings are trickier—many labels declare they’re “works made for rent,” which blocks termination.

Nonetheless, some artists have efficiently reclaimed each, relying on contract phrases and authorized technique. LL Cool J reportedly regained his Def Jam masters not too long ago.

Fan Reactions Pour In: ‘Labels Play So Soiled’

Responses to the thread have been speedy and emotional. Artists and followers alike chimed in with help, warnings, and shoutouts to affected legends.

One fan posted: “UMG is already giving Salt n’ Pepa the runaround, making an attempt to stifle their music as a result of they’ll now personal their masters. The labels play so soiled. Filth.”

One other added: “Rattling, 1991 had some bangers!” Whereas some shared private remorse at lacking the window, others tagged artists on to alert them.

A photorealistic close-up of a vintage 1991 vinyl or cassette collection featuring hip-hop and R&B albums, with handwritten notes or contracts nearby - via GrokAI — A photorealistic close-up of a classic 1991 vinyl or cassette assortment that includes hip-hop and R&B albums, with handwritten notes or contracts close by – through GrokAI

Steps Artists Ought to Take Now to Shield Their Legacy

For artists or estates hoping to reclaim rights, Hayes and authorized specialists urge motion:

Assessment contracts from 1990–1991 for grant date and “work for rent” clauses
Rent a copyright lawyer with music expertise
Serve official termination discover to publishers/labels
File Kind TCS with the U.S. Copyright Workplace
Choose an efficient date throughout the allowed 5-year window

It’s not automated—nobody will remind you. And lacking the window means the rights stick with the label for good.

Isaac Hayes III Copyright Warning May Shift Music Possession

The thread has already reignited requires fairness within the music trade. If extra Black artists reclaim their catalogs, this might shift billions in future earnings and licensing management.

Whether or not you’re a family title or one-hit marvel, Isaac Hayes III simply reminded the trade: your previous hits nonetheless maintain energy—and so do you.