Missy Elliott To Face Trial Over Song Royalties

A federal judge has ruled that Missy Elliott must face trial regarding a lawsuit from songwriter Terry Williams, who claims he co-wrote several songs with Elliott in the 1990s but was not credited. The judge dismissed Williams' claim concerning Aaliyah's track 'Heartbroken,' stating that he did not act with reasonable diligence, as he filed the lawsuit over twenty years after the song's release, exceeding the statute of limitations. Despite this dismissal, other claims related to Elliott's work with the hip-hop group Sista remain open for court consideration. Williams alleges collaborative contributions to numerous tracks and is seeking co-authorship, damages, and compensation. The ruling marks a significant moment in Elliott's legal battles concerning her music legacy amidst a resurgence of interest in Aaliyah's catalog. The case exemplifies ongoing disputes in the music industry regarding songwriting credits and royalties.