The British singer who signed to Roc Nation in 2008 as an 18 year old has only recorded one album under the label with them, with her legal team saying the label ‘s change of direction meant her career was forgotten. In a suit filed filed on Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court her lawyer claimed Rita’s contract with Roc Nation is in violation of California’s ‘seven-year rule’.
‘When Rita signed, Roc Nation and its senior executives were very involved with her as an artiste,’ the complaint states, according to The HollyWood Reporter . ‘As Roc Nation’s interests diversified, there were fewer resources available and the company suffered a revolving door of executives. ‘Rita’s remaining supporters at the label left or moved on to other activities, to the point where she no longer had a relationship with anyone at the company.’
The paperwork continues to call Roc Nation a ‘diminished’ record label with ‘only a handful of admittedly worthy heritage superstar artists.’
In an attempt to break her contract, Rita is citing Labour Code §2855, known as the ‘Seven Year Rule’.
‘Rita’s relationship with Roc Nation is irrevocably damaged. ‘Fortunately for Rita, the California legislature had the foresight to protect its artists from the sorts of vicissitudes she’s experienced with Roc Nation.’
The lawsuit also points out at Roc Nation’s interest in sports management and other endeavors like streaming service Tidal as specific examples.