American rap icons Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube are facing a $1.3 million lawsuit from Westside Merchandising, a company accusing the artists of fraud and breach of contract—claims both rappers strongly deny.
The lawsuit, filed in November 2024, alleges that Snoop Dogg (53) and Ice Cube (56), along with fellow Mount Westmore members E-40, Too Short, and Mount Westmore LLC, failed to fulfill a merchandising agreement. Westside claims it paid $1.375 million in advances and royalties under the expectation that the group would complete a 60-city tour across the U.S. and Europe and actively promote the merchandise deal.
However, the company says the group abandoned their obligations, including promotional appearances and video content. It further alleges that Snoop used a VIP event to sell his own merchandise instead.
In response, the rappers maintain they acted in good faith and argue that the claims lack substantial evidence. Lawyers for Too Short and E-40 also contend their clients were not involved in the original deal.
Tensions escalated when Snoop and Ice Cube requested to skip scheduled depositions, calling them “harassing, oppressive, and burdensome” given their demanding schedules. They proposed virtual testimony limited to two hours, citing professional obligations—Snoop on a movie set and Ice Cube managing his Big3 basketball league and preparing for a tour.
Westside Merchandising pushed back, accusing the artists of stalling and asked the court to impose $11,000 in sanctions for delays. The company claims it cooperated fully in scheduling but was met with resistance unless the rappers’ associate, Tony Draper, could be deposed instead—a condition Westside rejected.
While the legal battle continues, no ruling has been made on the deposition dispute.
“Defendants have always conducted their business in good faith and with integrity,” said the rappers’ attorney, Frank Seddigh. “Despite multiple attempts to resolve this matter amicably, Westside Merchandising has refused to cooperate.”
But Westside’s legal team sees it differently. “They’re trying to avoid answering difficult questions about their swindle,” said attorney John Fowler.
Mount Westmore, the supergroup formed by the four rappers, released its debut album in 2022.
