No Rock And Roll Fun

THIS IS UNUSUAL: The record labels are used to instructing lawyers, but normally when they're launching actions these days. In this case, though, they're on the other end, as Ras Kass launches actions against EMI, Capitol, Priority and two of Priority execs claiming breach of contract, unfair competition, restraint of trade and looking at him in a funny way. It all stems from his 1996 and 1998 albums Soul on Ice and Rassassination (nice title), which Ras reckons wasn't properly promoted. And that he didn't get his dues. And that his third and fourth album was sabotaged. And that senior Priory figures torpeedoed his career. And stopped him working on a project with Sony with Xzibit and Saafir. The most interesting point, though, is buried in the 32 page filing: ras claims that record labels fail to adhere to section 2855 of the california Labor Code which "prohibits the enforcement of personal-service contracts after seven years" - that could have interesting implications that go beyond just this case.