Grammy Award-winning artist Mary J. Blige has been named as the lead defendant in a $5 million lawsuit filed in New York by celebrity stylist and entrepreneur Misa Hylton and rapper Vado, alleging breach of contract, tortious interference with a business relationship, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The suit, filed in a New York state court, stems from a dispute over the management of Vado’s music career and a business relationship between the rapper and Hylton’s company, M.I.S.A Management.
According to the plaintiffs, Blige — through her company Beautiful Life Productions — withheld the release of Vado’s completed 2024 album and interfered with an existing management agreement that entitled M.I.S.A to 20% of Vado’s earnings.
Alleged Interference With Existing Contractual Agreement
The complaint asserts that Blige engaged in a pattern of conduct designed to pressure Vado to exit his legally binding contract with M.I.S.A Management.
The plaintiffs claim that Blige held private meetings with the artist, including yacht outings and hotel visits, where M.I.S.A representatives were “intentionally excluded.” These meetings, according to the filing, were allegedly used to persuade Vado to sign a new agreement outside of M.I.S.A’s purview.
Album Withholding and Retaliatory Action
The plaintiffs allege that although Vado completed an album in July 2024, Blige refused to release the project or support related touring activities unless the rapper terminated his management contract with M.I.S.A.
The lawsuit includes allegations that Blige explicitly communicated her refusal to release the work while Vado remained under Hylton’s representation — actions the plaintiffs characterize as retaliatory and coercive.
The complaint further alleges that Blige’s head of security, described as her boyfriend, attempted to have Vado sign a new contract under duress and without legal counsel.
According to the plaintiffs, the security chief told Vado he would “lose out on opportunities” if he remained affiliated with M.I.S.A.
Legal Claims and Relief Sought
Hylton and Vado are seeking $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages, citing lost earnings, reputational harm, and emotional distress.
They claim that Blige’s conduct amounts to intentional interference with contractual relations, breach of implied good faith and fair dealing, and abuse of industry power to coerce contractual breach.
At the time of publication, Mary J. Blige and Beautiful Life Productions had not issued a public response. Legal representatives for the plaintiffs have also declined comment pending further proceedings.
The case could have broader implications for artist-management contracts and the extent to which third parties — particularly within the music industry — can be held liable for allegedly inducing breach of contract under New York law.
