Late R&B Star Aaliyah’s Cousin And Uncle In $20m Legal Battle Over Music Rights

An ongoing legal battle over music royalties belonging to the late American R&B singer Aaliyah has intensified, with her cousin Jomo Hankerson demanding a $20 million settlement from his father, record executive Barry Hankerson.

Court documents obtained by media outlet TMZ show that Jomo is seeking the multi-million-dollar payout to resolve claims regarding financial proceeds from Aaliyah’s music catalogue and other artists managed by Blackground Records.

Through his legal representatives, Jomo stated that if his father considers the $20 million demand excessive, he must release all financial documents linked to the disputed music rights.

The legal dispute escalated after Jomo filed a lawsuit earlier this year claiming unpaid royalties.

In response, Barry Hankerson filed a countersuit against his son, alleging negligence and claiming Jomo was not entitled to any payment.

In the court filings, Barry blamed Jomo for failing to oversee Aaliyah’s travel arrangements during her 2001 music video shoot in the Bahamas, which ended in the fatal plane crash that killed the 22-year-old singer.

Barry further alleged that his professional and personal relationship with his son collapsed following the incident.

The case remains pending before the court.