Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube Clash with Merch Company Over $1.3M Lawsuit

American rap icons Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube are facing a $1.3 million lawsuit filed by Westside Merchandising, a company accusing them of fraud and breach of contract. The rappers, however, insist they’ve done nothing wrong.

The legal drama began last year when Westside Merchandising dragged Snoop, Ice Cube, E-40, Too Short, and their supergroup, Mount Westmore LLC, to court. 

The company claims it struck an exclusive 2022 deal to sell the group’s merchandise, paying out $1.375 million in advances and royalties on the understanding that Mount Westmore would embark on a 60-date U.S. and European tour.

But according to the firm, that tour never happened. Westside also alleges that Snoop and Cube failed to promote the merchandise as promised including producing a promo video and appearing at a retail outlet. Instead, the only appearance they reportedly made was at a VIP event where Snoop sold his personal merch.

In August, Snoop, 53, and Cube, 56, asked a judge to exempt them from sitting for a deposition, calling the request “harassing and burdensome.” Their lawyers argued that the music legends had “no substantive information” to add and that the request was merely an attempt to pressure them into settling.

The rappers said they had referred Westside to their associate, Tony Draper, for talks, but the company refused to proceed unless the duo appeared in person. As a backup, their legal team requested that any testimony be done virtually and limited to two hours.

Snoop said he was busy shooting a movie until October 21, while Ice Cube explained that his time was occupied with his Big3 basketball league and tour plans.

Westside, in response, accused the pair of stalling and asked the court to fine them $11,000 for delaying proceedings. The company maintains it has been “extremely cooperative” in trying to schedule the deposition, but claims the rappers are avoiding tough questions.

Meanwhile, lawyers for the rappers insist their clients have always acted in good faith. “Despite multiple attempts to resolve this matter amicably, Westside Merchandising has refused to engage in good-faith discussions,” said attorney Frank Seddigh.

Westside’s lawyer, John Fowler, fired back, saying the stars are “hiding from having their depositions taken because they are scared of answering difficult questions relating to their swindle.”

As of now, the judge has yet to rule on whether the rappers must appear for questioning.